A review of the health impacts of barium from natural and anthropogenic exposure

Associations of non-essential metal mixture with biological aging and the mediating role of inflammation in Chinese older adults

BACKGROUND

Individual non-essential metals (NMs) have been linked with biological aging. However, the effects of NM mixture and their mechanisms remain unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To characterize the relationships of individual NMs and their mixture to biological aging, and to explore the mediating roles of inflammatory factors.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study recruited 3251 individuals aged 60 years or above in China. Urine gallium, arsenic, cadmium, cesium, thallium, and barium were tested using ICP-MS. The Klemera-Doubal method was used to construct the KDMAge, reflecting the estimation of biological age, and ΔKDMAge, defined as the difference between KDMAge and chronological age, reflecting the deviation in aging rate. Four blood cell counts, including neutrophil, lymphocyte, platelet, and monocyte, were used to calculate inflammatory indices: neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio, and systemic immune-inflammation index. Linear regression, generalized additive model (GAM), weighted quantile sum (WQS), quantile-based computation (QGC), and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) were employed to assess the associations between the NMs and ΔKDMAge. Mediation analysis was further performed to examine the roles of inflammatory factors.

RESULTS

KDMAge strongly correlated with chronological age (r = 0.863). Linear regression showed significant positive associations of Gallium (β = 0.88, 95 % CI = 0.30, 1.46), arsenic (β = 1.11, 95 % CI = 0.54, 1.69), and cesium (β = 0.75, 95 % CI = 0.19, 1.30) with ΔKDMAge. GAMs further exhibited a "J-shaped" relationship for gallium, arsenic with ΔKDMAge, a linear trend for cesium, and a "U-shaped" relationship for barium. The mixture models demonstrated a positive association between the NM mixture and ΔKDMAge, with gallium, arsenic, and cesium identified as the primary contributors. Mediation analyses further suggested that neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and systemic immune-inflammation index partially mediated this association.

CONCLUSIONS

The NM mixture accelerates biological aging, mainly driven by gallium, arsenic, and cesium, with partial mediation by inflammation. Future longitudinal studies are necessary to verify these findings.

A case-control study on the link between trace element exposure in follicular fluid and premature ovarian insufficiency

Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), affecting 3.5 % of women under 40, significantly impacts reproductive health. The unknown etiology in over 50 % of POI cases impedes accurate diagnosis and treatment. Evidence shows that environmental agents can adversely affect health and reduce fertility. Trace elements are critical pollutants impacting human health. However, research on populations with POI and their links to these elements is limited. We enrolled 367 female patients, dividing them into a POI group and a control group. We employed ICP-MS to measure 25 trace elements in follicular fluid. Bayesian kernel machine regression analyzed combined exposure effects and restricted cubic splines evaluated the relationships between individual trace elements and ovarian reserve markers, focusing on anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and basal FSH (bFSH). Logistic regression assessed the association between specific element concentrations and POI occurrence, and the posterior inclusion probability model tested the robustness of key driving factors. The study identified 24 trace elements in follicular fluid samples, revealing significant differences in 23 elements between the two groups. There were positive correlations between Cu, I, Se, and Zn with AMH levels, while negative correlations were observed for Ca, Co, Li, and AMH. Nonlinear relationships were noted for Ba, Cd, Fe, Mg, Mn, Mo, and Pb. Ca, Li, and Ni showed a significant positive correlation with bFSH, while Cu, I, Mg, Se, and Zn demonstrated a significant negative correlation with bFSH. Additionally, Ba, Mn, and Pb exhibited a nonlinear correlation with bFSH. Individuals in the medium and high tertiles for Cu, I, Pb, Se, and Zn were less likely to develop POI. In contrast, those in the medium and high tertiles for Ba, Ca, Cd, Li, Mn, and Ni had an increased likelihood of POI. Our study addresses a crucial gap by examining trace element exposure in follicular fluid and its link to POI risk, enhancing understanding of their effects on female ovarian function. This study lays a foundation for monitoring female fertility and emphasizes the importance of environmental pollutants on reproductive health.

Health risk assessment of potentially hazardous elements in mining wastes from barite deposit (Boucaïd, western Algeria)

Barite-Lead-Zinc tailings pose environmental risks due to Potentially Hazardous Elements (PHEs). This study monitored PHE concentrations in the Boucaïd Ba-(Pb-Zn) mine, Algeria, and assessed related health risks. Various samples (raw rock, commercial products, and waste materials) were analyzed using SEM-EDX, XRD, FTIR, XRF, and ICP-MS, with multivariate statistics and Monte Carlo simulations for elemental correlation and risk assessment. RESULTS: showed a shared mineralogical composition of sphalerite, barite, dolomite, quartz, and calcite. BaO levels ranged from 4.33 to 45.15 wt% in all samples, with higher concentrations in finer particles, sludge, and dust (average 21.43, 37.82, and 39.51 wt%, respectively). Cyclone (dust) and classifier (sludge) waste had lower PHE concentrations, but finer fractions (f<0.045 mm to f0.125-0.25mm) exhibited elevated Cr, Fe, Ni, Zn, As, Cd, Sb, Hg, Tl, and Pb. Cadmium, As, Pb, and Zn exceeded WHO and Canadian limits. Health risk assessments showed Hazard Index (HI) values > 1 for non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic elements, particularly Sb, Zn, Cd, Fe, As, and Pb in children and As and Pb in adults. Lifetime cancer risk (LCR) values for As, Cd, Ni, and Pb exceeded US EPA thresholds, with children facing the highest risks. Probabilistic simulations confirmed significant carcinogenic risks, underscoring the need for urgent mitigation.

The Nitro-Oxidative Response Is Induced in the Leaves of Barley Plants Exposed to Barium

Barium (Ba) is classified as a non-essential element, meaning that it does not play a requisite role in the physiological processes of living organisms, but it poses a significant health risk to them. Plants that grow in Ba-rich soils, particularly near barite outcrops or mining waste, often accumulate high levels of Ba. Excess Ba in plant cells can lead to the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which contributes to oxidative stress. Typically, nitric oxide (NO) can help alleviate heavy metal stress; however, under certain conditions, elevated levels of superoxide and nitric oxide may result in nitrosative and nitrative stress. This study investigated whether exposing barley plants to barium acetate (300 μM and 600 μM) triggers a nitro-oxidative response in spring barley plants. The molecular and biochemical analyses revealed fluctuations in the gene expression and activity of antioxidant enzymes and a steady rise in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in the leaves. Lower Ba concentrations and shorter exposures increased NO levels, while higher concentrations and more prolonged exposure reduced them, affecting nitrogen metabolism. These findings highlight the toxicological risks posed by Ba, especially for cultivated plants, and underscore the need for further research on its impact on plant physiology and the potential risks to human health.

Prenatal exposure to barium and arsenic and the odds of congenital heart defects in offspring: a nested case-control study within a birth cohort in Lanzhou, China

Background

Previous studies have identified that exposure to heavy metals increases the prevalence of congenital heart defects (CHDs); however, limited information exists regarding the association between combined exposure to barium (Ba) and arsenic (As), and CHDs. This study aims to investigate the association between prenatal exposure to Ba and As (both independently and in combination) and the risk of CHDs in offspring.

Methods

In a birth cohort study conducted in Lanzhou, China, a total of 97 mother-newborn pairs were designated as the case group, with an additional 194 pairs constituting the control group. The concentrations of Ba and As in maternal blood were quantified utilizing an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. A multivariate logistic regression model was employed to examine the association between Ba and As exposure levels and the risk of neonatal CHDs and their subtypes. Interaction effects were further evaluated through the application of both additive and multiplicative models.

Results

The concentration of As in the blood of pregnant women is positively correlated with Ba levels. Higher concentrations of maternal blood Ba level was associated with greater odds of CHDs (p = 0.008), including the isolated CHDs (p = 0.013), the multiple CHDs (p = 0.032), PDA (p = 0.014), and ASDs (p = 0.031); Similarly, higher concentrations of maternal blood As level was associated with greater odds of CHDs (p = 0.013), including the isolated CHDs (p = 0.016), the multiple CHDs (p = 0.003), PDA (p = 0.005), ASDs (p = 0.017), and AVSDs (p = 0.034). Elevated levels of barium and arsenic in maternal blood were significantly associated with increased odds of CHDs and their subtypes in offspring (All p < 0.05). Furthermore, a significant multiplicative interaction between Ba and As levels in maternal blood was identified in relation to total CHDs (p = 0.04).

Conclusion

Exposure to Ba or As individually, as well as combined exposure to both, is significantly associated with an increased risk of CHDs in offspring.

MIL-101-SO3H: functionalized MOF for enhanced barium ion adsorption and environmental remediation

Cationic pollution from barium ions in wastewater poses environmental and health risks including cardiovascular effects and disrupted aquatic ecosystems. This study investigates the use of Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs), including both MIL-101(Cr) and its sulfonated derivative MIL-101-SO3H, for efficient removal of barium ions in contaminated water sources. Sulfonation of MIL-101 at the metal center was shown to considerably increase its adsorption capacity compared to unmodified MIL-101 for barium ions, achieving 141.9 mg g-1 for Ba2+ as compared to 54 mg g-1 for MIL-101. The study deeply looked into the effects of the pH, adsorbent dosage, initial Ba2+ concentration, and contact time on adsorption efficiency. Approximately pH = 4 has been determined as the best for Ba2+ adsorption at which the sulfonated MOF gave essentially complete removal efficiencies of 99% of the barium cations. The adsorption correlated with the Langmuir model indicates a homogeneous monolayer adsorption on the surface. MIL-101-SO3H, given the superior characteristics of its adsorptive ability compared with other materials including MIL-101, is tested with ion coexistence and retention trials. These results indicate that MIL-101-SO3H would be an extremely efficient adsorbent for barium ion removal from wastewater that could prove beneficial for a future large-scale application in environmental remediation.

Association Between Heavy Metals Mixtures and Life's Essential 8 Score in General US Adults

Heavy metals were toxic environmental pollutants capable of entering the human body, posing significant risks to human health. Life's Essential 8 (LE8) score is a new comprehensive index constructed for quantifying cardiovascular health (CVH). However, the association between heavy metals mixtures and LE8 appears ambiguous. To investigated the association between heavy metals and cardiovascular health in US population. Urinary heavy metals concentrations (barium, cadmium, cobalt, manganese, molybdenum, lead, antimony, strontium, thallium, tin, tungsten, uranium, cesium) were Ln-transformed and LE8 was consisted of eight metrics. Single and multivariate linear regression, weighted quantile sum (WQS) and Bayesian kernel machine regression models (BKMR) were utilized to assess the association between single and mixed exposure of thirteen heavy metals concentrations and LE8. In 4339 participants from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007-2018, single urinary heavy metals barium, cadmium, cobalt, lead, antimony, strontium, tin, tungsten, uranium and cesium showed a significant negative association with LE8. WQS models showed heavy metals mixture was negatively associated with LE8 (β = - 2.720, 95% CI - 3.660, - 1.790). BKMR analysis also demonstrated a downward trend of heavy metals mixture and LE8. Both WQS analyzed weights and the conditional posterior inclusion probabilities (condPIP) of BKMR showed that cadmium (37.78%, condPIP = 1.000), barium (24.56%, condPIP = 0.537) and uranium (14.71%, condPIP = 0.646) contributed most for these negative associations. Single and mixed heavy metals, especially cadmium, barium and uranium were negatively associated with LE8 score, a new comprehensive CVH index, predicting an increasing risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Gestational and Early Childhood Exposure to Barium and Cardiometabolic Risk in Preschoolers: Findings From the Ma'anshan Birth Cohort Study in China

BACKGROUND

Animal studies suggest cardiovascular systems may be primary targets for barium toxicity. This study aims to examine longitudinal associations of prenatal and early childhood barium exposure with cardiometabolic risk (CMR) in preschoolers.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We determined serum or plasma barium concentrations during 3 trimesters, delivery, and early childhood (5 years) from 2291 mother-child dyads within the Ma'anshan Birth Cohort. CMR scores were calculated by summing standardized z scores for glucose, insulin, triglycerides, waist circumference, mean of blood pressure, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol among 5-year-old children. We employed multiple linear regression and multiple informant models to investigate whole pregnancy and stage-specific associations of barium exposure with CMR scores and individual components and the modifying effects of sex. The ranges of log10-transformed barium from the first trimester to early childhood were 3.39 to 4.61 ng/L. Barium during the whole pregnancy showed positive associations with CMR scores, glucose, and triglycerides and negative association with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. These significant relationships of barium with CMR scores were mainly manifested in the second and third trimesters. Positive associations were observed between barium during the second and third trimesters and CMR scores, glucose, triglycerides, and negatively associated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol among boys. In girls, positive associations of barium during the third trimester with CMR scores, glucose, and triglycerides and a negative association with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were detected.

CONCLUSIONS

Barium exposure during pregnancy, especially during the second and third trimesters, may increase CMR in preschoolers. Boys are more vulnerable than girls. These findings support the need for reductions in barium exposure during pregnancy.

Evaluation of potentially toxic elements and pharmaceutical compounds in leachate and exhaust air from non-incineration medical waste treatment devices

This study assessed the health risks and toxicity of compounds found in the leachate and exhaust air of non-incineration devices used for hospital waste management. Specifically, it measured the levels of potentially toxic elements and pharmaceutical compounds in two disinfection waste treatment devices-hydroclave with shredder (device A) and autoclave without shredder (device B)-at a hospital in Tehran, Iran. Sampling occurred from October 2022 to March 2023. potentially toxic elements were analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES), while cytotoxicity was evaluated with an ELISA reader.The results indicated that the exhaust air from device A contained high concentrations of barium (9.80 ± 1.60 µg/m3), zinc (8.60 ± 2.25 µg/m3), and chromium (8.45 ± 2.30 µg/m3). In contrast, barium and zinc were the most abundant potentially toxic elements in device B. Analysis of the leachate from device A showed that nickel and arsenic had the lowest concentrations, while barium, chromium, and zinc had the highest. Additionally, Leachate analysis from Device A also revealed high levels of barium, chromium, and zinc, while nickel and arsenic were found at lower concentrations. Significant concentrations of pharmaceutical compounds, such as azithromycin, ciprofloxacin, diclofenac, and naproxen, were detected in the effluent from both devices, with higher concentrations in Device A, indicating improper segregation and inadequate management of pharmaceutical waste. This underscores the urgent need for continuous training, supervision, and monitoring in pharmaceutical waste management. Cytotoxicity analyses showed that particulate matter and leachate from Device A had a more pronounced negative impact on human cell lines (HepG2 and A549) compared to Device B. Health risk assessments using Monte Carlo simulations indicated that the carcinogenic risks from potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in Device A, particularly arsenic and chromium, exceeded the permissible limits set by the USEPA, while Device B posed significantly lower risks. These findings highlight the importance of educating hospital staff on proper waste segregation, continuous monitoring, and implementing advanced waste management protocols to protect public health and the environment.

Association Between Exposure to Multiple Toxic Metals in Follicular Fluid and the Risk of PCOS Among Infertile Women: The Mediating Effect of Metabolic Markers

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) severely affects women's fertility and accompanies serious metabolic disturbances, affecting 5%-20% of women of reproductive age globally. We previously found that exposure to toxic metals in the blood raised the risk of PCOS, but the association between exposure to toxic metals and the risk of PCOS in the follicular fluid, the microenvironment for oocyte growth and development in females, and its effect on metabolism has not been reported. This study aimed to evaluate the associations between the concentrations of cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), barium (Ba) and arsenic (As) in FF and the risk of PCOS, and to explore the mediating effect of metabolic markers in FF on the above relationship. We conducted a case-control study, including 557 women with PCOS and 651 controls. Ba, Cd, Hg and As levels in FF were measured by ICP-MS, metabolites levels in FF was measured by LC-MS/MS among 168 participants randomly selected from all the participants. Logistic regression models were used to assess the association of a single metal level with the PCOS risk, and linear regression models were used to assess the relationships of a single metal level with clinical phenotype parameters and metabolites levels. Combined effect of metals mixture levels on the risk of PCOS were assessed via weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression and bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR). Medication analysis was performed to explore the role of metabolic markers on the relationship of toxic metals levels with the risk of PCOS. The exposure levels of Cd, Hg, Ba and As in FF were all positively and significantly associated with the PCOS risk (with respect to the highest vs. lowest tertile group: OR = 1.57, 95% CI = 1.17 ~ 2.12 for Cd, OR = 1.69, 95% CI = 1.22 ~ 2.34 for Hg, OR = 1.76, 95% CI = 1.32 ~ 2.34 for Ba, OR = 1.42, 95% CI = 1.05 ~ 1.91 for As). In addition, levels of metal mixture also significantly correlated with the risk of PCOS, Cd level contributed most to it. Moreover, we observed significant positive relationships between Cd level and LH (β = 0.048, 95% CI = 0.002 ~ 0.094), T (β = 0.077, 95% CI = 0.029 ~ 0.125) and HOMA-IR value (β = 0.060, 95% CI = 0.012 ~ 0.107), as well as Hg level with LH, FSH/LH ratio and TC. Furthermore, we revealed that estrone sulfate, LysoPE 22:6 and N-Undecanoylglycine were significantly and positively mediating the association between Cd level and the risk of PCOS (with mediated proportion of 0.39, 0.24 and 0.35, respectively), and between Hg level and the risk of PCOS (with mediated proportion of 0.29, 0.20 and 0.46, respectively). These highly expressed metabolites significantly enriched in the fatty acid oxidation, steroid hormone biosynthesis and glycerophospholipids metabolism, which may explain the reason why the levels of Cd and Hg in FF associated with the phenotype of PCOS. Ba and As in FF was not found the above phenomenon. Our results suggested that exposure to multiple toxic metals (Cd, Hg, Ba and As) in FF associated with the increased risk of PCOS, Cd was a major contributor. Levels of Cd and Hg in FF significantly associated with the phenotype of PCOS. The above association may result from that Cd and Hg in FF related with the disturbance of fatty acid oxidation, steroid hormone biosynthesis and the glycerophospholipids metabolism.

The First Report of Environmental Exposure to Barium in 10 Localities Close to Industrial Areas and Ports in the Amazon

Environmental exposure to metallic contaminants such as barium (Ba) is a worldwide concern, as these metals can even be toxic to the human body. Data on different sources of exposure to Ba and possible routes of entry are important for preventing adverse health effects. Blood Ba levels were evaluated in 10 localities in the cities of Barcarena and Abaetetuba in the Amazon. Ba levels were quantified using induced coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and the data were stratified per epidemiological variables and lifestyle habits. The localities were divided into two groups: Group 1, localities wherein individuals had the lowest median levels (0.299-1.330 µg·L-1), and Group 2, localities wherein individuals had the highest median levels (8740-37,300 µg·L-1). Factors such as duration of residency, sex, age, smoking status, and alcohol consumption significantly contributed to the increase in exposure. The highest concentrations were associated with drinking water sources such as underground wells and local rivers, as well as the consumption of fish. This is the first study to record Ba exposure in individuals living in localities close to the industrial areas in the Amazon. These findings may facilitate the development of new health surveillance policies and the implementation of preventive measures.

Association between alkali and alkaline earth elements in chorionic villus and risk for spontaneous abortion

Exposure to specific alkali and alkaline earth elements(AEs/AEEs) has been reported that are linked to an increased risk of spontaneous abortion. However, the direct evidence of exposure in the uterus are absent. Therefore, we collected chorionic villi after spontaneous abortion or induced abortion in Peking University Third Hospital. The concentrations of six alkali and alkaline earth elements in chorionic villi were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Through using logistic regression, Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) and Weighted quantile sum regression (WQS) model, we assessed single and mixed exposure effects of alkali and alkaline earth elements on spontaneous abortion. In terms of the individual effect, high concentration group of barium (Ba) increased the risk of spontaneous abortion by 150 % (95 % CI: 1.38-4.51), whereas rubidium (Rb), cesium (Cs) and Magnesium (Mg) all clearly demonstrated dose dependency in reducing the incidence of spontaneous abortion. The BKMR model demonstrated that as the mixed exposure percentile increased, the likelihood of spontaneous abortion decreased almost linearly. For every quartile increasing in the WQS index, the risk of spontaneous abortion decreased (OR: 0.21, 95 % CI: 0.13-0.33), with Mg and Rb having the highest weights at 0.587 and 0.367, respectively. According to our findings, there were negative dose-response relationships between Mg and Rb levels and risk for spontaneous abortion, but exposure to higher concentration of Ba in the chorionic villi was positively associated with the risk of it.

Pioneering Role of Nanopore Single-Molecule Sensing in Environmental and Food Surveillance

In recent years, environmental and food safety have garnered substantial focus due to their intimate connection with human health. Numerous biosensors have been developed for identifying deleterious compounds; however, these biosensors reveal certain limitations. Nanopore sensors, featuring nano-scaled pore size, have demonstrated outstanding performance in terms of rapidity, sensitivity, and selectivity as a single-molecule technique for environmental and food surveillance. In this review, we present a comprehensive overview of nanopore applications in these two fields. To elucidate the pioneering roles of nanopores, analytes are categorized into three distinct groups, including metal ions, synthetic contaminants, and biotoxins. Moreover, a variety of strategies are involved, such as the coalescence with ligand probes, the implementation of chemical reactions, the functionalization of nanopores, etc. These scientific studies showcase the versatility and diversity of the nanopore technique, paving the way for further developments of nanopore technology in environmental and food safety.

Relationship between pregnant women's combined exposure to heavy metals and their offspring's congenital heart defects in Lanzhou, China

Background

Previous research has demonstrated that exposure to individual heavy metals elevates the incidence rate of congenital heart defects (CHDs). However, there is a paucity of data concerning the relationship between combined exposure to multiple heavy metals and the occurrence of CHDs. This study seeks to investigate the association between combined heavy metal exposure in pregnant women and the incidence of CHDs in their offspring in Lanzhou, China.

Methods

We conducted a comprehensive review of the birth cohort study undertaken at our hospital from 2010 to 2012, with the objective of investigating the association between combined heavy metal exposure in pregnant women and the incidence of CHDs in their offspring. This analysis was performed utilizing a multifactorial conditional logistic regression model.

Result

A nested case-control study was conducted involving 97 case groups and 194 control groups. The median concentrations of nickel (Ni), barium (Ba), lead (Pb), and titanium (Ti) in the blood of pregnant women were measured at 25.58 μg/L, 84.38 μg/L, 69.67 μg/L, and 304.65 μg/L, respectively. The research identified a significant correlation between the concentrations of Ni, Pb, and Ti in the blood of pregnant women and the risk of CHDs (P < 0.05). The optimal cut-off for heavy metals in pregnant women's blood was determined using the ROC curve. Levels below this threshold indicated low exposure, while levels at or above it indicated high exposure. In comparison to low exposure levels, high exposure to nickel (≥189.29 μg/L) in pregnant women was associated with a 2.098-fold increase in the risk of CHDs in their offspring (OR = 3.098, 95% CI: 1.322-7.260). Similarly, high lead exposure (≥86.70 μg/L) resulted in a 1.192-fold increase in the risk of CHDs in offspring (OR = 2.192, 95% CI: 1.021-4.707). Furthermore, high exposure to titanium (≥404.22 μg/L) was linked to a 3.065-fold increase in the risk of CHDs in offspring (OR = 4.065, 95% CI: 1.887-8.758). When compared to low exposure levels, the combined exposure to four heavy metals in the blood of pregnant women is linked to a 4.946-fold increased risk of CHDs in their offspring (OR= 5.946, 95% CI: 2.872-12.309). A significant correlation was observed between Ti exposure levels and the combined exposure levels of four heavy metals in pregnant women, with respect to the risk of isolated CHDs and multiple CHDs (P < 0.05). Additionally, high Ni exposure levels in pregnant women are associated with an increased risk of multiple CHDs (OR 4.321, 95% CI: 1.646-11.348).

Conclusion

The cumulative exposure levels of Ni, Ba, Pb, and Ti in the blood of pregnant women are correlated with an elevated risk of CHDs in their offspring.

The relationships of metals exposure and disturbance of the vaginal microbiota with the risk of PROM: Results from a birth cohort study

The vaginal microbiota is proposed to be associated with reproductive health. Exposure to metals during pregnancy is a risk factor for premature rupture of membranes (PROM). PROM can lead to serious maternal complications, thus, identifying the cause and therapeutic targets for it is crucial. However, the role of vaginal microbiota in the association between metals exposure and the risk of PROM are not clear. Based on a prospective birth cohort study including 668 pregnant women, maternal blood levels of 15 metals in the first trimester (n=668) and microbiota of vaginal secretions in the third trimester (n=244) were assessed. The metals that significantly associated with the risk of PROM were screened out via four statistical models, the top three were barium (Ba), chromium (Cr) and thallium (Tl) according to their weight indices. The results from the BKMR model showed a positive association of the mixture (Ba, Cr and Tl) with the risk of PROM. PROM and non-PROM were characterised by different beta diversities, moreover, the relative abundances of Bifidobacterium, Corynebacterium and Collinsella were statistically and negatively related to the risk of PROM [the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) were 0.06 (0.00, 0.82), 0.32 (0.14, 0.74) and 0.50 (0.30, 0.84), respectively]. On the other hand, women with different levels of Ba exposure were also characterised by different beta diversities (p value = 0.047); and blood Ba levels were also negatively associated with the relative abundances of Collinsella; additionally, Cr levels were positively associated with alpha diversity indices [Shannon index: β (95 % CI) = 0.25 (0.01, 0.50); Simpson index: β (95 % CI) = 0.08 (0.00, 0.17), respectively]. The results from mediation analysis showed the proportion of the relationship between Ba exposure and PROM risk mediated by the relative abundance of Collinsella was 26.4 %. Further verification analysis exploring the potential cause of the above phenomenon indicated that the neutrophil count, one of blood inflammation indicators for PROM, was higher in women with the absence of Collinsella (p value = 0.039), moreover, the cumulative hazard of PROM for women with the presence of Collinsella was also significantly lower than that of those without Collinsella (p value = 0.007). Collectively, the changes in the diversity and composition of the bacterial community, especially the reduction in Collinsella abundance caused by metal exposure, may be related to the occurrence of PROM, which provides a new microbiota-based perspective for intervention in metal exposure-related PROM. Confirming these relationships and determining the possible processes at play will require more investigation.

Predictive model in silicon and pathogenicity mechanism of metabolic syndrome: Impacts of heavy metal exposure

Although the association between heavy metals in human and the development of metabolic syndrome (MetS) have been extensively studied, the pathogenic mechanism of MetS affected by metals is not clear to date. In this study, a predictive model was developed with machine learning base on the large-scale dataset. These proposed models were evaluated via comparatively analysis of their accuracy and robustness. With the optimal model, two metals significantly correlated with MetS were screened and were employed to infer the pathogenicity mechanism of MetS via molecular docking. Significant associations between heavy metals and MetS were found. Molecular docking provided insights into the interactions between metal ions and key protein receptors involved in metabolic regulation, suggesting a mechanism by which heavy metals interfere with metabolic functions. Specifically, Ba and Cd affect the development of MetS thru their interactions with insulin and estrogen receptors. This study attempted to explore heavy metals' potential roles in MetS at the molecular level. These findings emphasize the importance of addressing environmental exposures in the prevention and treatment of MetS.

Predicting bioavailable barium transfer in soil-bok choy systems: A study induced by shale gas extraction in Chongqing, China

Barium (Ba) is a significant contaminant from shale gas extraction and is also used in various other industries. However, there has been very limited attention paid to Ba. Elucidating the Ba in soil-crop system are of great significance for both human health risk assessment and pollution control. In this study, the bioavailability of Ba in soils was studied by using various characterization methods. Then the major factors dominating the transfer of Ba in soil-bok choy system and a suitable predicted model was derived. The results showed that Ba was mainly accumulated in the roots (transfer factor < 0.3). The relationships between Ba in shoots and the bioavailability of Ba characterizing with different methods increased in the order of CH3COOH (R2 = 0.81) < ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (R2 = 0.87) < pore water (R2 = 0.89) < diffusive gradients in thin film (R2 = 0.90) < CaCl2 (R2 = 0.91). The major soil properties affecting Ba in shoots were pH (r = -0.32, P > 0.05), cation exchange capacity (r = -0.43, P < 0.01) and labile Al (r = 0.38, P < 0.05). Bioavailability of Ba can preferably model the Ba transfer in soil-bok choy system. The best reliable model was LogBa[shoot] = 0.591LogBa[soil-Pore water] + 1.749 (R2 = 0.963, P < 0.001). This model without measuring soil physicochemical properties, making it easier and more convenient to use in practice. Overall, these results highlight the role of metal bioavailability in predicting their transfer in soil-plant systems.

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

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

Chemical elemental composition and human taphonomy: A comparative analysis between skeletonised and preserved individuals from six Portuguese public cemeteries

INTRODUCTION

In Portugal, it is common practice to reuse burial graves in cemeteries with exhumations occurring after a minimum period of three years after entombment. However, if the human remains still retain soft tissues when the grave is opened, inhumations must continue for successive periods of two years until complete skeletonization is achieved. For the past decade, several Portuguese public cemeteries have been struggling with the lack of burial space mainly due to a slow cadaveric decomposition. As such, this work aims to understand if the chemical elemental concentrations found in the depositional environment of deceased individuals is influencing human taphonomy.

METHODS

A total of 112 soil samples were collected from graves of five Portuguese public cemeteries and the concentration of 28 chemical elements was measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). A total of 56 head hair samples and 19 fingernail samples were also collected from cadaveric remains and analysed for the same purpose.

RESULTS

Overall, all matrices showed statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) between skeletonised and preserved individuals. Although it was considered that the preserved bodies would display higher elemental concentrations than the skeletonised ones, this hypothesis was not confirmed.

CONCLUSIONS

The authors believe that changes in the burial conditions over time may have enable the disintegration of soft tissues even if they were initially preserved due to the presence of chemical elements. Similar studies on a global scale should be considered as they could bring together distinct perspectives and lead to more comprehensive and innovative solutions for cemetery management.

Urinary metals are associated with obesity in U.S. children and adolescents: A cross-sectional study

Heavy metals are pervasive in the environment, and exposure to these metals may contribute to obesity in children and adolescents. We hypothesized that metal exposures are associated with obesity in children and adolescents. Data were drawn from children and adolescents aged 6 to 19 years from the 2007 to 2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. We employed weighted multivariate logistic regression and restricted cubic spline to explore the effects of individual metal exposures on obesity, and weighted quantile sum regression, quantile g-computed regression, and Bayesian kernel machine regression to explore the effects of mixed metal exposures on obesity. Subgroup analyses by gender were also performed. All models were adjusted for age, gender, race, poverty to income ratio, and serum cotinine. Among the 3,650 children and adolescents studied, 21.04% had obesity. Logistic regression revealed positive associations between barium (OR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.07-1.40) and thallium (OR = 1.55, 95% CI: 1.23-2.15) with obesity, while cadmium (OR = 0.74, 95% CI: 0.61-0.89), cobalt (OR = 0.51, 95% CI: 0.41-0.62), and lead (OR = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.57-0.86) were negatively associated with obesity. Restricted cubic spline indicated a nonlinear relationship between lead and thallium and obesity. Quantile g-computed regression demonstrated that mixed metal exposure was negatively associated with obesity (OR = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.42-0.59). Subgroup analyses revealed a gender-specific effect for mercury (P for interaction = 0.03), which was negatively associated with obesity in females (OR = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.69-0.99). In conclusion, metal exposures are associated with obesity in children and adolescents, with gender differences.

Well water contaminants and colorectal cancer in North Dakota

This study aims to identify common contaminants in well water linked to an increase in colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence rates in North Dakota (ND) counties. County-specific incidence rates for CRC were obtained from the ND Statewide Cancer Registry. Corresponding demographic, agricultural, and geophysical data were obtained from population-based sources. Associations between well water contaminants and CRC incidence were examined for 16 counties in ND with complete well water profiles between 1997-2019. Data were analyzed by multiple linear regression. Iron in well water exhibited a significant positive association with CRC incidence (4.75, P = 0.001), and barium exhibited a small, but significant negative association (-0.06907, P = 0.01). Residents in counties in ND with prevalent well water usage contaminated with iron may be at higher risk for CRC.

Geoenvironmental determinants influencing chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology in the dry zone of Sri Lanka: a study based on a cohort of at-risk communities

Chronic kidney disease of unknown origin (CKDu) has emerged as a serious health risk for farming communities in remote semi-arid lowland regions of Sri Lanka, with geoenvironmental factors widely believed to be associated with the etiology. Although numerous case-control studies have been carried out to determine the causes of CKDu, none have been conducted in at-risk communities. The main objective of this study is to identify the potential geo-environmental risk factors associated with the at-risk community in the Wilgamuwa region, a CKDu endemic area in Sri Lanka. The study collected and analyzed 92 water sources currently or previously used in the study area for major cations, anions, and trace elements, mainly As, Cd, Pd, Mn, Zn, Ba and Sr. The major cations and anions in CKDu-susceptible groundwater varied Si4+ > Ca2+ > Na+ > Mg2+ > K+ and HCO3- > Cl- > SO42- > NO3- > F- > PO43- > Br-. The higher average values of Si4+, F- and total hardness (TH) were reported in groundwater consumed by communities at risk of CKDu, with average values (in mg/L) of Si4+-46, F--0.62, and TH-178. Considering the Water Quality Index (WQI) values, 73% of groundwater sources are classified as poor water quality, and the groundwater quality mainly depends on the fluoride distribution in the region. According to the Hazard Quotient (HQ), the risk of adverse health effects from exposure to F- and SiO2 increased in magnitude in the order of male < female < children. Health hazards due to As, Cd and Pb exposure fell between the 'no-risk' and 'low-risk' categories. As outlined in this study, continuous monitoring of vulnerable communities for environmental exposures to key groundwater constituents is important in the dry zone of Sri Lanka.

Insight into the fate of bioplastic and similar plant-based material debris in aquatic environments via continuous monitoring of their leachate composition - Release of carbon, metals, and additives

Currently, the environmental problems associated with plastic production and waste, such as the consequences of worldwide pollution of natural waters with microplastics, have led to the seeking of alternative materials that can at least partially replace conventional petroleum-based plastics. Substitute materials include bioplastics and similar plant-based materials or their composites. However, their fate when disposed of in unintended environments (e.g., water bodies) remains largely unknown, while such information is highly desirable prior to massive expansion of exploiting such materials. This study aims to contribute filling this knowledge gap. Specifically, 19 different types of bioplastic and similar plant-based material debris (corresponding to the size of microplastics) were kept in long-term contact with water to mimic their behaviour as water pollutants, and the leachates were continuously analysed. Eighteen of the 19 investigated materials released significant amounts of dissolved organic carbon-up to 34.0 mg per g of debris after 12 weeks of leaching. Each leachate also contained one or more of the following elements: Al, B, Ba, Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, N, Na, P, Si, Ti, and Zn. Non-targeted analysis aimed at providing more specific insight into the leachate composition tentatively revealed 91 individual chemicals, mostly fatty acids and other carboxylic acids, phthalates, terephthalates, adipates, phenols, amides, alcohols, or organophosphates. Based on the compound characteristics, they might be additives, non-intentionally added substances, as well as their degradation products. In general, the current results imply that bioplastics and similar plant-based materials should be considered complex materials that undergo industrial processing and comprise additives rather than harmless natural matter. Additionally, various compounds can release from the bioplastic and similar plant-based material debris when deposited in water. It might have consequences on the fluxes of carbon, metals and specific organic contaminants, and it resembles some properties of conventional petroleum-based microplastics.

Ultrafast and Highly Selective Sequestration of Radioactive Barium Ions by a Layered Thiostannate

As a simulant of hazardous 226Ra2+, the simultaneously selective and rapid elimination of radioactive 133Ba2+ ions from geothermal water is necessary but still challenging. In this paper, we demonstrated the usability of a layered thiostannate with facile synthesis and inexpensive cost, namely, K2xSn4-xS8-x (KTS-3, x = 0.65-1), for the remediation of radioactive 133Ba2+ in multiple conditions, including sorption isotherm, kinetics, and the influences of competitive inorganic/organic ions, pH values, and dosages. KTS-3 has a strong barium uptake ability (171.3 mg/g) and an ultrafast adsorption kinetics (about 2 min). Impressively, it can achieve a high preference for barium regardless of the excessive interference ions (Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, and humic acid) and acidic/alkaline environments, with the largest distribution coefficient Kd value reaching 6.89 × 105 mL/g. Also, the Ba2+-laden products can be easily eluted by a concentrated KCl solution, and its adsorption performances for barium resist well even after five consecutive cycles. In addition, owing to the regular appearance and excellent mechanical strength, the prepared KTS-3/PAN (PAN = polyacrylonitrile) granule displays a good removal efficiency in the flowing ion-exchange column. These advantages mentioned above render it very promising for the effective and efficient cleanup of radioactive 133Ba2+-contaminated wastewater.

The levels, single and multiple health risk assessment of 23 metals in enteral nutrition formulas

Enteral nutrition formulas are products that provide macro and micronutrients to patients who cannot receive their nutrition orally. In this study, the levels of 23 metals known to have potential health risks were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry in a total of 28 enteral nutrition formula. Metal exposure was calculated according to three different daily energy intake scenarios (Scenario 1 = 50% oral nutrition + 50% enteral nutrition formula, Scenario 2 = 25% oral nutrition + 75% enteral nutrition formula and Scenario 3 = 100% enteral nutrition formula) and evaluated in terms of non-carcinogenic health risks. The mean levels of Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Mo, Se, Li, Be, V, As, Sr, Ag, Cd, Sb, Ba, La, Hg and Pb in the samples analyzed were determined 12,000 ± 3300, 64 ± 1.6, 10 ± 13, 1300 ± 400, 8500 ± 2500, 75 ± 30, 61 ± 21, 0.34 ± 0.36, 0.05 ± 0.08, 7.3 ± 2, 1.6 ± 0.6, 457 ± 166, 0.02 ± 0.1, 0.14 ± 0.12, 0.01 ± 0.1, 74 ± 103, 0.63 ± 0.4, 0.05 ± 0.03 and 0.14 ± 0.7 μg/L. These metals were considered safe in terms of non-carcinogenic health risks when analyzed individually. However, when the target hazard quotient values of all metals were evaluated together, hazard index values were higher than the reference value of 1, for both men and women, indicating potential health risks.

Silicon mediated heavy metal stress amelioration in fruit crops

Fruit crops are essential for human nutrition and health, yet high level of heavy metal levels in soils can degrade fruit quality. These metals accumulate in plant roots and tissues due to factors like excessive fertilizer and pesticide use, poor waste management, and unscientific agricultural practices. Such accumulation can adversely affect plant growth, physiology, and yield. Consuming fruits contaminated with toxic metals poses significant health risks, including nervous system disorders and cancer. Various strategies, such as organic manuring, biomaterials, and modified cultivation practices have been widely researched to reduce heavy metal accumulation. Recently, silicon (Si) application has emerged as a promising and cost-effective solution for addressing biological and environmental challenges in food crops. Si, which can be applied to the soil, through foliar application or a combination of both, helps reduce toxic metal concentrations in soil and plants. Despite its potential, there is currently no comprehensive review that details Si's role in mitigating heavy metal stress in fruit crops. This review aims to explore the potential of Si in reducing heavy metal-induced damage in fruit crops while enhancing growth by alleviating heavy metal toxicity.

Environmental exposure to metal(loid)s and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Environmental exposure to metal(loid)s has been associated with adverse effects on human health, but the systemic repercussion of these elements on the development of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) is still poorly understood.

OBJECTIVE

To summarize evidence published about the influence of environmental exposure to aluminum, arsenic, barium, cadmium, lead, strontium and mercury on the development of HDP.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic literature review according to the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. The search strategy was validated by the Peer Review of Electronic Search Strategies. We searched for articles published up to February 2023 in seven databases without language restriction. Two researchers conducted the steps for selection, data extraction and evaluation of the methodological quality of the instruments for epidemiological studies of the Joanna Briggs Institute. Any disagreements were resolved by a third researcher.

RESULTS

We obtained 5076 records, of which 37 articles met the inclusion criteria moderate to high methodological quality. Single exposure to metal(loid)s was predominant, and the leading biological matrix analyzed to detect the concentrations from exposure was maternal blood. Lead was the metal investigated the most, and had the largest number of studies showing positive association with HDP. In relation to the other metal(loid)s, higher levels were found in women with HDP in comparison with healthy women, but the finding of a cause-effect relationship was inconsistent.

CONCLUSIONS

Although we found evidence of harmful effects of the metal(loid)s studied on human health, the results were inconclusive with regard to HDP. Longitudinal studies that consider prospective investigation, adjustment of confounding factors and the interference of other contaminants in the exacerbation of oxidative stress in women from the preconception phase to the puerperal period should be encouraged.

Urinary concentrations of mineral elements and their predictors in pregnant women in Jinan, China

BACKGROUND

The essential mineral elements play important roles in proper growth, development and maintenance of physiological homeostasis of an organism. Women are at greater risk of mineral deficiency during pregnancy. However, the predictors of mineral element levels in pregnant women remain unclear. This study was conducted to determine the urinary levels of calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn) and selenium (Se) in women during early pregnancy and to explore the predictors of urinary exposure to each mineral element and high co-exposure to mineral element mixture.

METHODS

298 pregnant women in first trimester were recruited when they attended antenatal care in a hospital in Jinan, Shandong Province, China. We collected their spot urine samples and questionnaire data on their sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle habits, food and dietary supplement intake, and residential environment. The concentrations of Ca, Fe, Cu, Mn and Se in all urine samples were measured. LASSO regression, multiple linear regression and binary logistic regression were used to analyze the predictors affecting mineral element levels.

RESULTS

The geometric means of creatinine-corrected Ca, Fe, Cu, Mn and Se concentrations were 99.37 mg/g, 1.75 µg/g, 8.97 µg/g, 0.16 µg/g and 16.83 µg/g creatinine, respectively. Factors that influenced the concentrations of individual mineral element were as follows: (1) Se and Ca concentrations increased with maternal age; (2) women taking tap water as family drinking water had higher Ca levels and those taking polyunsaturated fatty acids intermittently had higher Cu levels; (3) Fe was adversely related to consumption frequency of barbecued foods; (4) Pregnant women with more frequent consumption of shellfish/shrimp/crab and living near green spaces or parks had higher Mn exposure, and those with higher frequency of meat consumption had lower Mn exposure. In addition, maternal age and the frequency of egg consumption were associated with odds of exposure to a mixture of high Ca, Fe, Cu and Se.

CONCLUSIONS

The pregnant women in this study had comparable concentrations of urinary Cu and Se but lower concentrations of Ca, Fe and Mn compared with those in other areas. Predictors of urinary mineral elements included maternal age (Se and Ca), type of domestic drinking water (Ca), consumption frequency of barbecued food (Fe), polyunsaturated fatty acid use (Cu), the presence of urban green spaces or parks near the home and frequency of meat and shellfish/shrimp/crab intake (Mn). Moreover, maternal age and egg consumption frequency were significant predictors of high-level co-exposure to urinary Ca, Fe, Cu and Se.

Associations between Non-Essential Trace Elements in Women's Biofluids and IVF Outcomes in Euploid Single-Embryo Transfer Cycles

Previous studies have found inconsistent associations between heavy metals and metalloids (cadmium, lead, mercury, and arsenic), and reproductive outcomes. The biofluid concentrations of ten non-essential trace elements (Hg, Pb, As, Ba, Sr, Rb, Cs, Sn, Ni, and Co) were evaluated in 51 Spanish women undergoing ICSI, PGT-A, and SET/FET. Nine out of ten non-essential elements were detectable in follicular fluid, whole blood, and urine collected the day of vaginal oocyte retrieval (VOR) and the day of embryo transfer and then analyzed by ICP-MS or Tricell DMA-80 for mercury. Elevated mercury and strontium concentrations in follicular fluid were associated with poor ovarian response and preimplantation outcomes. Worst preimplantation outcomes were also identified in women with elevated whole-blood strontium or mercury, urinary arsenic, barium, and tin the day of VOR. High concentrations of urinary rubidium on VOR day were linked with enhanced fertilization and blastocyst development. Excessive titanium in whole blood was associated with lower odds of implantation, clinical pregnancy, and achieving a live birth in a given IVF cycle. Excessive urinary arsenic on the day of embryo transfer was associated with lower odds of live birth. Although these preliminary results need to be confirmed in larger populations, distinguishing organic and inorganic element forms, our findings show that some non-essential elements have a detrimental impact on human IVF outcomes.

A Systematic Literature Review on the Association Between Toxic and Essential Trace Elements and the Risk of Orofacial Clefts in Infants

Orofacial clefts (OFCs) have been linked to various toxic and essential trace elements (TETEs) worldwide. However, review estimation is absent. Therefore, addressing the hypothesis that TETEs are associated with OFCs is the main area of this review. A systematic literature search was conducted using electronic databases through PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct, and Google Scholar between 2004 and August 2022. The "AND" and "OR" operators were used to make our search results inclusive and restrictive as follows: ("Toxic element*" OR "Heavy metal*") AND ("Toxic element*" OR "Lead OR Arsenic OR Mercury*")) AND ("Essential trace element*" OR "Zinc OR Selenium OR Copper*")) AND ("Orofacial cleft*" OR "Cleft lip*" OR "Cleft palate*") AND ("Infant*" OR "Newborn*" OR "Neonate*")). The presence of toxic elements was linked to the development of OFCs. The results showed that higher levels of toxic elements in various biological sample types were related to increased risks for OFCs. Increased concentrations of essential trace elements (ETEs) lowered the risk of OFCs. Maternal consumption of diets rich in ETEs, including zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), copper (Cu), cobalt (Co), and molybdenum (Mo), was linked to a more pronounced reduction in the risk of OFCs. Based on the findings, it is acceptable to infer that maternal exposure to toxic elements, whether through environmental contaminants or dietary sources, was associated with an elevated risk of OFCs. Furthermore, the study revealed that ETEs exhibited a potential protective role in reducing the incidence of OFCs. This observation highlights the importance of reducing exposure to toxic elements during pregnancy and suggests that optimizing maternal intake of ETEs could be an effective preventive strategy.

Mitigating effects of selenium and zinc on oxidative stress and biochemical and histopathological changes in lung during prenatal and lactational exposure rats to barium chloride

Selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn) are essential trace elements with antioxidant properties, and their supplementation has been shown to be protective against the toxicity of various environmental and dietary substances. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential protective effect of selenium and zinc as adjuvants against barium (Ba) toxicity in lactating rats and their offspring. The pregnant rats were divided into six groups: the first as control; group 2 received barium (67 ppm) in the drinking water; group 3 had combined Ba + Se (0.5 mg/kg) in the diet; group 4 received Zn (50 mg/kg bw) by gavage together with Ba; groups 5 and 6, positive controls, were treated with selenium (0.5 mg/kg) and zinc (50 mg/kg bw), respectively. MDA, H2O2, AOPP, CAT, GPx, and SOD levels were measured and lung histopathology was performed. Our results showed that barium administration caused lung damage as evidenced by an increase in MDA, H2O2, and AOPP levels and a decrease in the activities of CAT, GPx, and SOD in mothers and their offspring. A decrease in lung GSH, NPSH, and MT levels was also observed. Supplementation of Ba-treated rats with Se and/or Zn significantly improved the pulmonary antioxidant status of mothers and their offspring. Histopathological examinations were also consistent with the results of biochemical parameters, suggesting the beneficial role of Se and Zn supplementation, as evidenced by less accumulation of collagen fibers as studied by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Masson's trichrome staining. In conclusion, we demonstrate the adverse effects of maternal barium exposure during pregnancy and on neonatal lung health and the protective effects of selenium and zinc in preventing the adverse effects of barium exposure.

Association of urinary metal element with semen quality: a cross-sectional study from Eastern China

The effect of metallic elements on semen quality remains controversial, with limited evidence on the effects of metal mixtures. We conducted a study involving 338 participants from multiple centers in Eastern China, measuring 17 urinary metals and semen quality parameters. Our analysis used various statistical models, including multivariate logistic and linear regression, Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression, and weighted quantile sum models, to examine the associations between metal levels and semen quality. Logistic regression showed that higher urinary lead was associated with increased risk of abnormal sperm concentration (OR = 1.86, p = 0.021), arsenic to higher abnormal progressive motility risk (OR = 1.49, p = 0.027), and antimony to greater abnormal total motility risk (OR = 1.37, p = 0.018). Conversely, tin was negatively correlated with the risk of abnormal progressive motility (OR = 0.76, p = 0.012) and total motility (OR = 0.74, p = 0.003), respectively. Moreover, the linear models showed an inverse association between barium and sperm count, even after adjusting for other metals (β = - 0.32, p < 0.001). Additionally, the WQS models showed that the metal mixture may increase the risk of abnormal total motility (βWQS = 0.55, p = 0.046). In conclusion, semen quality may be adversely affected by exposure to metals such as arsenic, barium, lead, and antimony. The combined effect of the metal mixture appears to be particularly impaired total motility.

Association of barium deficiency with Type 2 diabetes mellitus incident risk was mediated by mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNA-CN): a follow-up study

Accumulating evidence indicates that plasma metal levels may be associated with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) incident risk. Mitochondrial function such as mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNA-CN) might be linked to metal exposure and physiological metabolism. Mediation analysis was conducted to determine the mediating roles of mtDNA-CN in the association between plasma metals and diabetes risk. In the present study, we investigated associations between plasma metals levels, mtDNA-CN, and T2DM incident in the elderly population with a 6-year follow-up (two times) study. Ten plasma metals [i.e. manganese, aluminum, calcium, iron, barium (Ba), arsenic, copper, selenium, titanium, and strontium] were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. mtDNA-CN was measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Multivariable linear regression and logistic regression analyses were carried out to estimate the relationship between plasma metal concentrations, mtDNA-CN, and T2DM incident risk in the current work. Plasma Ba deficiency and mtDNA-CN decline were associated with T2DM incident risk during the aging process. Meanwhile, plasma Ba was found to be positively associated with mtDNA-CN. Mitochondrial function mtDNA-CN demonstrated mediating effects in the association between plasma Ba deficiency and T2DM incident risk, and 49.8% of the association was mediated by mtDNA-CN. These findings extend the knowledge of T2DM incident risk factors and highlight the point that mtDNA-CN may be linked to plasma metal elements and T2DM incident risk.

Comprehensive analysis of environmental exposure to hazardous trace elements and lung function: a national cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

There is growing interest in the joint effects of hazardous trace elements (HTEs) on lung function deficits, but the data are limited. This is a critical research gap given increased global industrialisation.

METHODS

A national cross-sectional study including spirometry was performed among 2112 adults across 11 provinces in China between 2020 and 2021. A total of 27 HTEs were quantified from urine samples. Generalised linear models and quantile-based g-computation were used to explore the individual and joint effects of urinary HTEs on lung function, respectively.

RESULTS

Overall, there were negative associations between forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and urinary arsenic (As) (z-score coefficient, -0.150; 95% CI, -0.262 to -0.038 per 1 ln-unit increase), barium (Ba) (-0.148, 95% CI: -0.258 to -0.039), cadmium (Cd) (-0.132, 95% CI: -0.236 to -0.028), thallium (Tl) (-0.137, 95% CI: -0.257 to -0.018), strontium (Sr) (-0.147, 95% CI: -0.273 to -0.022) and lead (Pb) (-0.121, 95% CI: -0.219 to -0.023). Similar results were observed for forced vital capacity (FVC) with urinary As, Ba and Pb and FEV1/FVC with titanium (Ti), As, Sr, Cd, Tl and Pb. We found borderline associations between the ln-quartile of joint HTEs and decreased FEV1 (-20 mL, 95% CI: -48 to +8) and FVC (-14 mL, 95% CI: -49 to+2). Ba and Ti were assigned the largest negative weights for FEV1 and FVC within the model, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Our study investigating a wide range of HTEs in a highly polluted setting suggests that higher urinary HTE concentrations are associated with lower lung function, especially for emerging Ti and Ba, which need to be monitored or regulated to improve lung health.

Toxic elements identified in breast milk of mothers residing in water contaminated region of Sindh and their impact on infants' growth patterns: A case-control study

Breast milk is a vital source of nutrition for breastfed infants, providing essential nutrients and elements but, in some cases, toxic ones. This is the first case-control study that investigated the elemental profile of breast milk samples collected from mothers residing in Matiari (Sindh), a region with insufficient industrial waste management, and its potential impact on infants' anthropometrics. Precisely, 62 milk samples, including 42 cases and 20 controls, were analyzed using the ICP-MS technique. Overall, six elements showed significance between the two groups, arsenic (As) was present at 0.68 μg/L in cases and absent in controls, while lead (Pb) exhibited elevated concentrations in the case group at 4.56 μg/L compared to 0.25 μg/L in controls, well-known for their toxicity. Barium (Ba) and manganese (Mn) levels were also higher in cases, associated with reported health effects on child well-being. Essential elements molybdenum (Mo) and selenium (Se) were higher in the controls. Furthermore, the association of these metals with the child growth standards as per WHO guidelines was calculated. Linear regression analysis revealed As negatively associated with WAZ and WHZ scores, while Mo was positively associated with WAZ, WHZ, and HAZ scores. These findings highlight serious health concerns in the region, where toxic elements pervade drinking water and food sources. Immediate actions are imperative to maintain the wellness of future generations.

Sex-specific associations of urinary mixed-metal concentrations with femoral bone mineral density among older people: an NHANES (2017-2020) analysis

Background

Heavy metal exposure is an important cause of reduced bone mineral density (BMD). Epidemiological studies focusing on the effects of mixed heavy metal exposure on BMD in middle-aged and older people are scarce. In single-metal studies, men and women have shown distinct responses of BMD to environmental metal exposure. This study therefore aimed to elucidate the association between mixed heavy metal exposure and BMD and to investigate whether it is sex-specific.

Methods

Data from the 2017-2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were selected for this cross-sectional study. The study used three statistical methods, i.e., linear regression, Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) modeling, and weighted quartiles (WQS) regression, to explore the association between the urinary concentrations of 11 metals (barium, cadmium, cobalt, cesium, manganese, molybdenum, lead, antimony, tin, thallium, and Tungsten), either individually or as a mixture, and total femoral BMD.

Results

A total of 1,031 participants were included in this study. Femoral BMD was found to be higher in men than women. A significant negative correlation between the urinary concentrations of the 10 metals and femoral BMD was found in the overall cohort. Further gender sub-stratified analyses showed that in men, urinary metal concentrations were negatively correlated with femoral BMD, with cobalt and barium playing a significant and non-linear role in this effect. In women, although urinary metal concentrations negatively modulated femoral BMD, none of the correlations was statistically significant. Antimony showed sex-specific differences in its effect.

Conclusion

The urinary concentrations of 10 mixed heavy metals were negatively correlated with femoral BMD in middle-aged and older participants, and this effect showed gender differences. These findings emphasize the differing role of mixed metal exposure in the process of BMD reduction between the sexes but require further validation by prospective studies.

Recent advances in alginate-based composite gel spheres for removal of heavy metals

The discharge of heavy metal ions from industrial wastewater into natural water bodies is a consequence of global industrialisation. Due to their high toxicity and resistance to degradation, these heavy metal ions pose a substantial threat to human health as they accumulate and amplify. Alginate-based composite gels exhibit good adsorption and mechanical properties, excellent biodegradability, and non-toxicity, making them environmentally friendly heavy metal ion adsorbents for water with promising development prospects. This paper introduces the basic properties, cross-linking methods, synthetic approaches, modification methods, and manufacturing techniques of alginate-based composite gels. The adsorption properties and mechanical strength of these gels can be enhanced through surface modification, multi-component mixing, and embedding. The main production processes involved are sol-gel and cross-linking methods. Additionally, this paper reviews various applications of alginate composite gels for common heavy metals, rare earth elements, and radionuclides and elucidates the adsorption mechanism of alginate composite gels. This study aimed to provide a reference for synthesising new, efficient, and environmentally friendly alginate-based adsorbents and to contribute new ideas and directions for addressing the issue of heavy metal pollution.

Lactational Exposure of Human Infants to Metal (loid)s: A Comparison of Industrial and Urban Inhabitants in North of the Persian Gulf

In this study, postnatal metal (loid)s (MLs) exposure was compared between the petrochemical and gas area of Asaluyeh (PGA) and urban area of Kaki (UA) in Bushehr province, Iran. Two hundred human breast milk (BM) samples from the industrial and urban areas were analyzed for MLs using Inductivity Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES). Boron (B), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and nickel (Ni) were found at the highest levels in both study areas. Adjusted multiple linear regression models revealed that the mean concentration of total MLs in BM samples collected from the PGA was statistically significantly greater than that of the UA (655.85 vs. 338.17 µg/L). Also, the mean concentrations of all detected MLs in BM samples collected from the PGA were statistically significantly higher than those collected from the UA. The hazard index (HI) of combined MLs in the PGA and UA illustrated non-cancer risk for infants. Lead (Pb) and chromium (Cr) in the PGA and Cr in the UA showed the risk of cancer. So it can be concluded that nursing infants from an industrial area are most at risk for MLs exposure during entire lactation course than those from an urban area.

Structural insight and in silico prediction of the pharmacokinetic parameters and toxicity of alkaline earth metal compounds strontium and barium with the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug nimesulide

In the crystals of alkaline earth metal compounds strontium and barium with the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug nimesulide, the strontium cation is nine-coordinated with a distorted tricapped trigonal prismatic geometry TCTPR-9, whereas the ten-coordinated barium ion exhibits a distorted tetracapped trigonal prismatic geometry TCTPR-10.

Association between exposure to multiple metals and stress urinary incontinence in women: a mixture approach

There is limited evidence linking exposure to heavy metals, especially mixed metals, to stress urinary incontinence (SUI). This study aimed to explore the relationship between multiple metals exposure and SUI in women. The data were derived from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 2007-2020. In the study, a total of 13 metals were analyzed in blood and urine. In addition, 5155 adult women were included, of whom 2123 (41.2%) suffered from SUI. The logistic regression model and restricted cubic spline (RCS) were conducted to assess the association of single metal exposure with SUI risk. The Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) and weighted quantile sum (WQS) were used to estimate the combined effect of multiple metals exposure on SUI. First, we observed that blood Pb, Hg and urinary Pb, Cd were positively related to SUI risk, whereas urinary W was inversely related by multivariate logistic regression (all p-FDR < 0.05). Additionally, a significant non-linear relationship between blood Hg and SUI risk was observed by RCS analysis. In the co-exposure models, WQS model showed that exposure to metal mixtures in blood [OR (95%CI) = 1.18 (1.06, 1.31)] and urine [OR (95%CI) = 1.18 (1.03, 1.34)] was positively associated with SUI risk, which was consistent with the results of BKMR model. A potential interaction was identified between Hg and Cd in urine. Hg and Cd were the main contributors to the combined effects. In summary, our study indicates that exposure to heavy metal mixtures may increase SUI risk in women.

Oral Release Kinetics, Biodistribution, and Excretion of Dopants from Barium-Containing Bioactive Glass in Rats

Background: Inorganic biomaterials are biologically active and are used as implants and drug delivery system. They have therapeutically active elements present in their framework that are released in the physiological milieu. Release of these dopants above the supraphysiological limit may produce adverse effects and physicochemical interactions with the loaded drugs. Therefore, this necessitates evaluating the in vivo release kinetics, biodistribution, and excretion profiles of dopants from barium-doped bioglass (BaBG) that has potential anti-inflammatory, antiulcer, and regenerative properties. Methods: In vitro leaching of Ca, Si, and Ba from BaBG was analyzed in simulated body fluid. Release kinetics post single-dose oral administration (1, 5, and 10 mg/kg) was performed in rats. Blood was collected at different time points, and pharmacokinetic parameters of released elements were calculated. The routes of excretion and biodistribution in major organs were evaluated using ICP-MS. Results: Elements were released after the oral administration of BaBG into the plasma. They showed dose-dependent release kinetics and mean residence time. Cmax was observed at 24 h for all elements, followed by a downhill fall. There was also a dose-dependent increase in the volume of distribution, and the clearance of dopants was mostly through feces. Ba and Si were biodistributed significantly in the liver, spleen, and kidneys. However, by the end of day 7, there was a leveling-off effect observed for all elements. Conclusion: All of the dopants exhibited a dose-dependent increase in release kinetics and biodistribution in vital organs. This study will help in dose optimization and understanding of various physicochemical and pharmacokinetic interactions when BaBG is used for future pharmacological studies.

The Effect of Doping on the Electrical and Dielectric Properties of Hydroxyapatite for Medical Applications: From Powders to Thin Films

Recently, the favorable electrical properties of biomaterials have been acknowledged as crucial for various medical applications, including both bone healing and growth processes. This review will specifically concentrate on calcium phosphate (CaP)-based bioceramics, with a notable emphasis on hydroxyapatite (HA), among the diverse range of synthetic biomaterials. HA is currently the subject of extensive research in the medical field, particularly in dentistry and orthopedics. The existing literature encompasses numerous studies exploring the physical-chemical, mechanical, and biological properties of HA-based materials produced in various forms (i.e., powders, pellets, and/or thin films) using various physical and chemical vapor deposition techniques. In comparison, there is a relative scarcity of research on the electrical and dielectric properties of HA, which have been demonstrated to be essential for understanding dipole polarization and surface charge. It is noteworthy that these electrical and dielectric properties also offer valuable insights into the structure and functioning of biological tissues and cells. In this respect, electrical impedance studies on living tissues have been performed to assess the condition of cell membranes and estimate cell shape and size. The need to fill the gap and correlate the physical-chemical, mechanical, and biological characteristics with the electrical and dielectric properties could represent a step forward in providing new avenues for the development of the next-generation of high-performance HA-doped biomaterials for future top medical applications. Therefore, this review focuses on the electrical and dielectric properties of HA-based biomaterials, covering a range from powders and pellets to thin films, with a particular emphasis on the impact of the various dopants used. Therefore, it will be revealed that each dopant possesses unique properties capable of enhancing the overall characteristics of the produced structures. Considering that the electrical and dielectric properties of HA-based biomaterials have not been extensively explored thus far, the aim of this review is to compile and thoroughly discuss the latest research findings in the field, with special attention given to biomedical applications.

Thallium uptake and risk in vegetables grown in pyrite past-mining contaminated soil amended with organic fertilizer (compost): A potential method for Tl contamination remediation

Thallium (Tl) is a highly toxic trace metal that can cause severe pollution and damage to the ecological system. In this study, a field trial was conducted in a Tl-rich pyrite-barite past-mining area to unveil the fate of Tl in agricultural practice. Tuscany kale and red chicory cultivated in soil impacted by the dismissed mine of Valdicastello Carducci (Northern Tuscany, Italy) displayed significantly different uptake behaviors of Tl. Hyper-accumulation of Tl was observed in kale leaves and its content reached up to 17.1 mg kg-1 whereas only <0.70 mg kg-1 of Tl was found in leaves of red chicory. Due to the regionally polymetallic pollution, Tuscany kale grown in this area possessed a great Tl intake risk for the residents. As for the fertilization treatment, Tl in Tuscany kale leaves fertilized with mineral fertilizer (NPK) and compost were 21.4 and 12.8 mg kg-1. The results suggested a potential remediation ability of compost in diminishing Tl in the vegetable leaves and thus may reduce its risk in the soil-crop system. Since Tl poisoning emergency may occur in agricultural fields near past-mining zones, it is critical to establish possible remediation measures to ensure food safety surrounding former mining areas likewise.

Associations of 10 trace element levels in the whole blood with risk of three types of obesity in the elderly

BACKGROUND

Currently, over 2 billion people worldwide suffer from obesity, which poses a serious health risk. More and more attention is being given to the effects of trace elements on obesity in recent years. Synergistic or antagonistic interactions among these elements can adversely or positively impact human health. However, epidemiological evidence on the relationship between trace element exposure levels and obesity has been inconclusive.

METHODS

Baseline data of 994 participants from the Cohort of Elderly Health and Environment Controllable Factors were used in the present study. ICP-MS was used to measure the concentrations of 10 trace elements in the whole blood of the older population. Binary logistic regression, restricted cubic splines (RCS) models, and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) models were employed to assess single, nonlinear, and mixed relationships between 10 trace element levels and three types of obesity based on body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and body fat percentage (BFP) in the elderly.

RESULTS

Based on BMI, WC and BFP, 51.8% of the included old population were defined as general overweight/obesity, 67.1% as abdominal obesity, and 36.2% as having slightly high/high BFP. After multivariable adjustment, compared with the lowest tertile, the highest tertile of blood selenium (Se) concentration was associated with an increased risk of all three types of obesity. Additionally, compared with the lowest tertile, higher tertiles of strontium (Sr) concentrations were associated with a lower risk of general overweight/obesity and having slightly high/high BFP, and the highest tertile of barium (Ba) was associated with a lower risk of having slightly high BFP, while higher tertiles of arsenic (As) concentrations were associated with an increased risk of having slightly high/high BFP, and the highest tertile of manganese (Mn) was associated with a higher risk of abdominal obesity. BKMR analyses showed a strong linear positive association between Se and three types of obesity. Higher blood levels of trace element mixture were associated with increased obesity risks in a dose-response pattern, with Se having the highest value of the posterior inclusion probability (PIP) within the mixture.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, we found higher Se levels were associated with an elevated risk of obesity and high levels of Ba, Pb and Cr were associated with a decreased risk of obesity. Studies with larger samples are needed to confirm these findings.

Exposure to metal mixtures and young children's growth and development: A biomonitoring-based study in Eastern China

Exposure to metal mixtures may affect children's health but the conclusions are controversial. We aimed to investigate the associations of metal mixture exposure with children's physical and behavioral development. 15 metals were detected in the urine samples of 278 preschoolers aged 3-6 years from eastern China. Multiple linear models and restricted cubic splines were used to evaluate dose-response relationships between single metal and children's physical and behavioral development. The Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR) models, the weighted quantile sum (WQS) models and Quantile G-Computation were applied to evaluate the joint effects of metal mixtures. The results showed that arsenic (As) was negatively associated with z score of height for age (HAZ) in individual-metal models [β (95%CI): - 0.22 (-0.38, -0.06), P = 0.006]. Concerning children's behavioral development, multiple-metal models demonstrated a negative association with strontium (Sr) [β (95%CI): - 0.82 (-1.38, -0.26), P = 0.004], and a positive association with tin (Sn) [β (95%CI): 0.69 (0.16, 1.21), P = 0.010]. Notably, these associations remained significant or suggestive even after adjustments for multiple tests, sensitivity analyses, and application of different statistical models, including BKMR, WQS, and Quantile G-Computation. Furthermore, the study identified a negative joint effect of the metal mixture on HAZ, as demonstrated by BKMR and Quantile G-Computation models, with As playing an irreplaceable role in this observed impact. In summary, exposure to As appears to have adverse effects on HAZ, while exposure to Sn may hinder children's behavioral development. Conversely, exposure to Sr may have a protective effect on children's behavioral development. Additionally, the combined impact of metal mixtures is implicated in potentially impairing children's physical development, particularly in terms of HAZ.

Historical shifting in grain mineral density of landmark rice and wheat cultivars released over the past 50 years in India

The 'Green Revolution (GR)' has been successful in meeting food sufficiency in India, but compromising its nutritional security. In a first, we report altered grain nutrients profile of modern-bred rice and wheat cultivars diminishing their mineral dietary significance to the Indian population. To substantiate, we evaluated grain nutrients profile of historical landmark high-yielding cultivars of rice and wheat released in succeeding decades since the GR and its impacts on mineral diet quality and human health, with a prediction for decades ahead. Analysis of grain nutrients profile shows a downward trend in concentrations of essential and beneficial elements, but an upward in toxic elements in past 50 y in both rice and wheat. For example, zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) concentration in grains of rice decreased by ~ 33.0 (P < 0.001) and 27.0% (P < 0.0001); while for wheat it decreased by ~ 30.0 (P < 0.0001) and 19.0% (P < 0.0001) in past more than 50 y, respectively. A proposed mineral-diet quality index (M-DQI) significantly (P < 0.0001) decreased ~ 57.0 and 36.0% in the reported time span (1960-2010) in rice and wheat, respectively. The impoverished M-DQI could impose hostile effects on non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like iron-deficiency anemia, respiratory, cardiovascular, and musculoskeletal among the Indian population by 2040. Our research calls for an urgency of grain nutrients profiling before releasing a cultivar of staples like rice and wheat in the future.

Selenium in Infants and Preschool Children Nutrition: A Literature Review

Selenium (Se), an essential trace element, is fundamental to human health, playing an important role in the formation of thyroid hormones, DNA synthesis, the immune response, and fertility. There is a lack of comprehensive epidemiological research, particularly the serum Se concetration in healthy infants and preschool children compared to the estimated dietary Se intake. However, Se deficiencies and exceeding the UL have been observed in infants and preschool children. Despite the observed irregularities in Se intake, there is a lack of nutritional recommendations for infants and preschool children. Therefore, the main objective of this literature review was to summarize what is known to date about Se levels and the risk of deficiency related to regular consumption in infants and preschool children.

Selective and pH-Independent Detection of Ba2+ in Water by a Benzo-21-crown-7-Functionalized BODIPY

Herein, we report on highly Ba2+ selective fluorescence sensing in water by a fluorescent probe consisting of a benzo-21-crown-7 as a Ba2+ binding unit (ionophore) and a tetramethylated BODIPY fluorophore as a fluorescence reporter. This fluorescent probe showed a Ba2+ induced fluorescence enhancement (FE) by a factor of 12±1 independently of the pH value and a high Ba2+ sensitivity with a limit of detection (LOD) of (17.2±0.3) μM. Moreover, a second fluorescent probe consisting of the same BODIPY fluorophore, but a benzo-18-crown-6 as a cation-responsive binding moiety, showed an even higher FE upon Ba2+ complexation by a factor of 85±3 and a lower LOD of (13±3) μM albeit a lower Ba2+ selectivity. The fluorescence sensing mechanism of Ba2+ was further investigated by time-resolved fluorescence as well as transient absorption spectroscopy (TAS) and it turned out that within these probes a blocking of a photoinduced electron transfer (PET) by Ba2+ is very likely responsible for the FE.

Effects of urinary barium exposure on bone mineral density in general population

Previous studies have reported that exposures to metals are associated with bone health, but are mostly restricted to a few of the most frequent hazardous metals. The effects of barium (Ba) are not fully understood. A cross-sectional study involving 1532 adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, 2013-2016) was conducted. Generalized linear model (GLM) and restricted cubic spline (RCS) were applied to evaluate the relationship of urinary Ba exposure with BMDs. According to the GLM analyses, urinary Ba was adversely correlated with total BMD (percent change: -0.75; 95% CI: -1.21, -0.29) and lumbar BMD (percent change: -0.76; 95% CI: -1.47, -0.04). Compared with the lowest tertile of Ba levels, the percentage change of T3 was -2.06 (-3.36, -0.73) for total BMD and was -2.39 (-4.51, -0.24) for lumbar BMD, showing a significant linear trend (P trend = 0.014 and P trend = 0.047, respectively). The RCS models showed a monotonically decreasing relationship of urinary Ba with total BMD and lumbar BMD. Moreover, the positive joint effects were observed between Pb (lead) and Ba, and Cd (cadmium) and Ba on BMDs. According to our findings, exposure to Ba may lead to a decrease in BMDs. Possible positive joint effects of Ba and Pb, and Ba and Cd on BMDs were found. Exposure to Ba may contribute to poor skeletal health.