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Stojsavljević A, Marković K, Lukač A, Ristanović A, Marić N, Marković S, Šarac I, Ščančar J. Quantitative profiling and baseline intervals of trace elements in healthy lung tissues. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2024; 84:127440. [PMID: 38522290 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2024.127440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human lung tissue, as an interface with the environment, is susceptible to various environmental pollutants, including trace metals. However, quantitative data on trace metals in human lung tissues remain poorly described. METHODS This study aimed to characterize the elemental composition of histologically healthy, unaffected parts of human lung tissues, associated with non-infective, non-infiltrative, and non-malignant diseases (n = 60) for essential (Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, and Se) and toxic trace elements (Sr, Ni, As, Cd, and Pb). Additionally, we investigated the influence of personal factors (sex, age, and smoking habits) on the examined trace element profiles, as well as between the trace elements correlations in the healthy human lungs. RESULTS Among the analyzed trace elements, Fe was the most prevalent, while As was the least prevalent in healthy lung tissues. Stratifying by age revealed significantly higher Cr and Co (less Sr, Ni, and Pb) and lower Se levels in older individuals (above 65 years) compared to their younger counterparts. Sex-based differences were also notable, with Cu and Co 1.2- and 2.3-fold higher levels in females than in males. Exploring the impact of smoking habits revealed a striking 10-fold increase in Cd levels in the lung tissues of smokers compared to non-smokers. Correlation analyses showed significant positive associations between concentrations of certain toxic and essential trace elements in healthy lung tissues. CONCLUSIONS This study could contribute to the establishment of baseline intervals for essential and toxic trace elements, valuable for toxicological and clinical assessment, in healthy, unaffected human lungs, and indicates the influence of sex, age, and smoking. However, further larger-scale studies are needed to make more stable conclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Katarina Marković
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Aleksandar Lukač
- Military Medical Academy Medical Faculty, University of Defence, Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Nebojša Marić
- Military Medical Academy Medical Faculty, University of Defence, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Stefan Marković
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Ivana Šarac
- Centre of Research Excellence in Nutrition and Metabolism, Group for Nutrition and Metabolism, Institute for Medical Research, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Janez Ščančar
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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France Štiglic A, Falnoga I, Briški AS, Žavbi M, Osredkar J, Skitek M, Marc J. Reference intervals of 24 trace elements in blood, plasma and erythrocytes for the Slovenian adult population. Clin Chem Lab Med 2024; 62:946-957. [PMID: 38008765 DOI: 10.1515/cclm-2023-0731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of the present study was to establish the population- and laboratory-specific reference intervals (RIs) for the Slovenian adult population for 24 trace elements (TEs) in blood, plasma and erythrocytes and to evaluate the impact of gender, age, seafood consumption, smoking habits and amalgam fillings on TEs levels. METHODS TEs (Mn, Co, Cu, Zn, Se and Mo, Li, Be, V, Cr, Ni, Ga, As, Rb, Sr, Ag, Cd, Sn, Cs, Au, Hg, Tl, Pb and U) were determined in 192 a priori selected blood donors (107 women and 85 men, aged 18-65 years), using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) with the Octopole Reaction System. Participants filled out a questionnaire, and RIs were established according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines for TEs. RESULTS Uniform RIs for non-essential and gender-specific for essential TEs in blood, plasma and erythrocytes were established. In our population, higher blood and plasma Cu, and erythrocyte Mn levels in women were found. In men, blood Zn, plasma Zn, Mn and Se, and erythrocyte Cu levels were higher. Zn levels were higher in 30-39 years age group. Pb and Sr increased with age. Smoking positively affected Cd, Pb, Cs and Rb; seafood consumption increased As, Hg and Zn; and amalgam increased Hg, Ag and Cu levels. CONCLUSIONS Essential TEs were inside recommended levels, and the non-essential ones were far below critical levels. Established RIs will provide an important foundation for clinical diagnostics, safety erythrocyte transfusions assessment, toxicology and epidemiological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alenka France Štiglic
- Clinical Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Ingrid Falnoga
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Alenka Sešek Briški
- Clinical Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Marko Žavbi
- Clinical Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Joško Osredkar
- Clinical Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Milan Skitek
- Clinical Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Janja Marc
- Clinical Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Queirolo EI, Kordas K, Martínez G, Ahmed Z, Barg G, Mañay N. Secular trends in blood lead concentrations of school-age children in Montevideo, Uruguay from 2009 to 2019. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 343:123160. [PMID: 38104764 PMCID: PMC10922799 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.123160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Lead exposure continues to be a public health problem globally, yet very few countries perform systematic biomonitoring or surveillance of children's blood lead levels (BLLs). Secular trends in children's BLLs have not been well characterized outside North America and Europe. In 2009-19, we conducted a series of non-representative cross-sectional surveys in Montevideo, Uruguay, enrolling children living in areas of the city with known or suspected lead contamination. Lead was measured with atomic absorption spectrometry on fasting venous blood samples. Of the 856 children representing independent (non-sibling) observations, 759 had BLL measures. Other missing data were imputed. Using linear and logistic regression models, we estimated the covariate-adjusted year to year difference in mean BLL and the likelihood of having BLL ≥5 and BLL ≥3.5 μg/dL. At the start of the study, mean ± SD BLL was 4.8 ± 2.6 μg/dL, and at the end 1.4 ± 1.4 μg/dL. The prevalence of BLL ≥5 and BLL ≥3.5 μg/dL also differed markedly between 2009 and 2019 (30.8% vs. 2.7% and 53.8% vs. 5.8%). Similarly, where 80.8% of children had BLL ≥2 μg/dL in 2011, in 2019 that number was 19.3%. The estimated year to year difference in BLL was ∼0.3 μg/dL. Despite this progress, pediatric lead exposure remains a problem in Montevideo. In years 2015-19, between 19 and 48% of school children had BLL ≥2 μg/dL, a level at which adverse neurobehavioral outcomes continue to be reported in the literature. Continued prevention and risk-reduction efforts are needed in Montevideo, including systematic surveillance of BLLs in all children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena I Queirolo
- Department of Neuroscience and Learning, Faculty of Health Sciences, Catholic University of Uruguay, Montevideo, Uruguay.
| | - Katarzyna Kordas
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA.
| | - Gabriela Martínez
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Chemistry, University of the Republic of Uruguay (UDELAR), Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Zia Ahmed
- RENEW Institute, University at Buffalo, 106 Cooke Hall, Buffalo NY, USA.
| | - Gabriel Barg
- Department of Neuroscience and Learning, Faculty of Health Sciences, Catholic University of Uruguay, Montevideo, Uruguay.
| | - Nelly Mañay
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Chemistry, University of the Republic of Uruguay (UDELAR), Montevideo, Uruguay
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Olowoyo JO, Tshoni UA, Kobyana AS, Lion GN, Mugivhisa LL, Koski L, Wärmländer SKTS, Roos PM. Blood lead concentrations in exposed forecourt attendants and taxi drivers in parts of South Africa. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2024; 81:127348. [PMID: 38016357 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2023.127348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leaded fuel was banned in South Africa in 2006, in order to improve human health and reduce environmental pollution. Lead (Pb) has been suggested to contribute to the development of neurodegenerative disorders, and the role of respiratory exposure to Pb from petrol fumes should not be neglected in this context. In addition to Pb, petrol contains various harmful chemicals including other neurotoxic metals and hydrocarbons. OBJECTIVES AND METHODS Here, we investigated concentrations of Pb and other metals in blood from petrol station forecourt attendants (n = 38), taxi drivers (n = 21), and unexposed controls (n = 36). Taxi drivers and forecourt attendants were divided into three groups each, based on number of years worked. A questionnaire was designed to investigate the health status of the participants. Blood samples were collected by medical professionals and analyzed for metal concentrations by ICP-MS. RESULTS A positive correlation between number of years worked and Pb blood concentrations was found. The highest Pb concentration (60.2 µg/L) was observed in a forecourt attendant who had worked 11-20 years, and the average Pb concentration in this group (24.5 µg/L) was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than in forecourt attendants who had worked 2-5 years (10.4 µg/L). Some individuals had elevated concentrations of manganese, arsenic, cadmium, chromium and cobalt, yet not significantly elevated at the group level. The blood levels of arsenic appeared to be related to smoking. Mood swings, dizziness, headaches and tiredness were reported by the workers. CONCLUSION Blood Pb concentrations in petrol station forecourt attendants and taxi drivers exposed to leaded petrol are elevated and correlate to exposure time. A health monitoring program should be erected for all individuals working in these industries, and preventive measures should be implemented to eliminate metal exposure from petrol.
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Affiliation(s)
- J O Olowoyo
- Department of Health Sciences and The Water School, Florida Gulf Coast University, Fort Myers, FL, USA; Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa.
| | - U A Tshoni
- Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - A S Kobyana
- Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - G N Lion
- Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - L L Mugivhisa
- Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - L Koski
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - S K T S Wärmländer
- Chemistry Section, Arrhenius Laboratories, Stockholm University, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - P M Roos
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Clinical Physiology, St. Göran Hospital University Unit, 11281 Stockholm, Sweden.
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Lacerda D, Vergilio CDS, Pestana IA, Alvares da Silva AM, de Assis Pinheiro J, Freitas FV, Barbosa WM, Gomes de Almeida M, Vaz de Oliveira BC, de Rezende CE. Metal concentrations in the whole blood of farmers in southeast Brazil. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 344:140199. [PMID: 37769919 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we measured Ni, Co, Cd, and Pb concentrations in the whole blood of farmers from southeast Brazil to address the factors influencing human exposure in this population. The factors included smoking, alcohol consumption, aging, body composition, gender, and feeding preferences, which were measured through carbon and nitrogen isotopic composition. We also calculated and compared the reference values (RVs) of the measured elements to evaluate ongoing exposure levels. We observed the influence of lifestyle habits on metal exposure; Cd levels were statistically higher in smokers, and alcohol consumption affected only Pb concentrations, with an association also observed with the frequency of alcohol ingestion. The metal levels were positively associated with both isotope values, indicating that feeding may be the dominant source of these elements in this population. We also observed the effect of endogenous sources measured through age, as increased Pb concentrations in both genders and higher Cd levels in older women, which is related to bone, kidney, and liver accumulation. The body mass index was negatively associated with Ni, Co, and Cd in women and positively in men. The negative associations may indicate that body fat may act as a reservoir for metals, reducing their availability in the blood in individuals with higher body mass and possibly influencing the assessment of exposure levels. The evaluated population presented elevated RVs for all elements: Ni 36, Co 3.3, Cd 16, and Pb 149 μg L-1. These values point to higher exposure in this population compared to other studies in Brazil and worldwide. These results emphasize an urgent need for monitoring programs for toxic substances in Brazil and evaluating possible health effects, given the ongoing environmental exposure associated with endogenous exposure and lifestyle habits that promote higher metal levels in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Lacerda
- Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual Do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro. Avenida Alberto Lamego, 2000, Parque Califórnia, Campos Dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, CEP: 28.013-602, Brazil.
| | - Cristiane Dos Santos Vergilio
- Laboratório de Ecotoxicologia, Departamento de Biologia, Centro de Ciências Exatas Naturais e da Saúde, Universidade Federal Do Espírito Santo - Campus Alegre. Alto Universitário, S/N, Guararema, Alegre, Espírito Santo, CEP: 29.500-000, Brazil
| | - Inácio Abreu Pestana
- Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual Do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro. Avenida Alberto Lamego, 2000, Parque Califórnia, Campos Dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, CEP: 28.013-602, Brazil
| | - Adriana Madeira Alvares da Silva
- Laboratório de Ecotoxicologia, Departamento de Biologia, Centro de Ciências Exatas Naturais e da Saúde, Universidade Federal Do Espírito Santo - Campus Alegre. Alto Universitário, S/N, Guararema, Alegre, Espírito Santo, CEP: 29.500-000, Brazil
| | - Julia de Assis Pinheiro
- Departamento de Farmácia e Nutrição, Centro de Ciências Exatas Naturais e da Saúde, Universidade Federal Do Espírito Santo - Campus Alegre. Alto Universitário, S/N, Guararema, Alegre, Espírito Santo, CEP: 29.500-000, Brazil
| | - Flavia Vitorino Freitas
- Departamento de Farmácia e Nutrição, Centro de Ciências Exatas Naturais e da Saúde, Universidade Federal Do Espírito Santo - Campus Alegre. Alto Universitário, S/N, Guararema, Alegre, Espírito Santo, CEP: 29.500-000, Brazil
| | - Wagner Miranda Barbosa
- Departamento de Farmácia e Nutrição, Centro de Ciências Exatas Naturais e da Saúde, Universidade Federal Do Espírito Santo - Campus Alegre. Alto Universitário, S/N, Guararema, Alegre, Espírito Santo, CEP: 29.500-000, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Gomes de Almeida
- Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual Do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro. Avenida Alberto Lamego, 2000, Parque Califórnia, Campos Dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, CEP: 28.013-602, Brazil
| | - Bráulio Cherene Vaz de Oliveira
- Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual Do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro. Avenida Alberto Lamego, 2000, Parque Califórnia, Campos Dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, CEP: 28.013-602, Brazil
| | - Carlos Eduardo de Rezende
- Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual Do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro. Avenida Alberto Lamego, 2000, Parque Califórnia, Campos Dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, CEP: 28.013-602, Brazil
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Hassan L, Shinar E, Groisman L, Rorman E, Kloog I, Jaffe E, Stoyanov E, Moser A, Novack V, Gat R, Grant-Sasson K, Novack L. National blood bank services as a platform for national human biomonitoring - A proof-of-concept study. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 328:138569. [PMID: 37023902 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human biomonitoring (HBM) is crucial for identifying potential risks to human health from exposure to environmental hazards. However, it is an expensive and labor-intensive endeavor. To save on samples' collection process we suggested using a national blood banking system as a platform for a national HBM program. For the case study, we used a comparison of blood donors from heavily industrialized Haifa Bay region, northern Israel, with donors from the rest of the country. METHODS The study population comprised a random sample of blood donors donating blood all over Israel. Samples of whole blood were tested for arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr) and lead (Pb). Donors' donations sites and residential locations were geocoded. Smoking status was verified based on Cd levels, after calibrating their concentrations vs Cotinine in a sub-sample of 45 subjects. Metal concentrations were compared between regions using a lognormal regression, while controlling for age, gender, and predicted probability of smoking. RESULTS During Mar 2020-Feb 2022, we collected 6230 and tested 911 samples. Concentrations of most of the metals were modified by age, gender, and smoking. Cr and Pb appeared to be 1.08-1.10 times higher among Haifa Bay residents than in the rest of the country (although with borderline significance of 0.069 for Cr). Cr and Pb were 1.13-1.15 times higher for those who donated blood in the Haifa Bay region, but not necessarily resided in the area. Donors from Haifa Bay had lower levels of As and Cd as compared to other donors in Israel. CONCLUSIONS Using a national blood banking system for HBM proved to be feasible and efficient. Blood donors from Haifa Bay area were characterized by elevated levels of Cr and Pb and lower levels of As and Cd. An extensive investigation of industries in the area is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lior Hassan
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel; Negev Environmental Health Research Institute, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Eilat Shinar
- National Blood Services Center, Magen David Adom, Israel
| | | | | | - Itai Kloog
- Department of Environmental, Geoinformatics and Urban Planning Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Eli Jaffe
- National Blood Services Center, Magen David Adom, Israel
| | | | - Asher Moser
- National Blood Services Center, Magen David Adom, Israel
| | - Victor Novack
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel; Negev Environmental Health Research Institute, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer-Sheva, Israel; Soroka Clinical Research Institute, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Roni Gat
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel; Negev Environmental Health Research Institute, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Kineret Grant-Sasson
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel; Negev Environmental Health Research Institute, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Lena Novack
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel; Negev Environmental Health Research Institute, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer-Sheva, Israel.
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Ubong D, Stewart L, Sepai O, Knudsen LE, Berman T, Reynders H, Van Campenhout K, Katsonouri A, Van Nieuwenhuyse A, Ingelido AM, Castaño A, Pedraza-Díaz S, Eiríksdóttir ÁV, Thomsen C, Hartmann C, Gjorgjev D, De Felip E, Tolonen H, Santonen T, Klanova J, Norström K, Kononenko L, Silva MJ, Uhl M, Kolossa-Gehring M, Apel P, Jõemaa M, Jajcaj M, Estokova M, Luijten M, Lebret E, von Goetz N, Holcer NJ, Probst-Hensch N, Cavaleiro R, Barouki R, Tarroja E, Balčienė RM, Strumylaite L, Latvala S, Namorado S, Szigeti T, Ingi Halldorsson T, Olafsdottir K, Wasowicz W. Application of human biomonitoring data to support policy development, raise awareness and environmental public health protection among countries within the HBM4EU project. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2023; 251:114170. [PMID: 37207539 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2023.114170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2022] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Most countries have acknowledged the importance of assessing and quantifying their population's internal exposure from chemicals in air, water, soil, food and other consumer products due to the potential health and economic impact. Human biomonitoring (HBM) is a valuable tool which can be used to quantify such exposures and effects. Results from HBM studies can also contribute to improving public health by providing evidence of individuals' internal chemical exposure as well as data to understand the burden of disease and associated costs thereby stimulating the development and implementation of evidence-based policy. To have a holistic view on HBM data utilisation, a multi-case research approach was used to explore the use of HBM data to support national chemical regulations, protect public health and raise awareness among countries participating in the HBM4EU project. The Human Biomonitoring for Europe (HBM4EU) Initiative (https://www.hbm4eu.eu/) is a collaborative effort involving 30 countries, the European Environment Agency (EEA) and the European Commission (contracting authority) to harmonise procedures across Europe and advance research into the understanding of the health impacts of environmental chemical exposure. One of the aims of the project was to use HBM data to support evidence based chemical policy and make this information timely and directly available for policy makers and all partners. The main data source for this article was the narratives collected from 27 countries within the HBM4EU project. The countries (self-selection) were grouped into 3 categories in terms of HBM data usage either for public awareness, policy support or for the establishment HBM programme. Narratives were analysed/summarised using guidelines and templates that focused on ministries involved in or advocating for HBM; steps required to engage policy makers; barriers, drivers and opportunities in developing a HBM programme. The narratives reported the use of HBM data either for raising awareness or addressing environmental/public health issues and policy development. The ministries of Health and Environment were reported to be the most prominent entities advocating for HBM, the involvement of several authorities/institutions in the national hubs was also cited to create an avenue to interact, discuss and gain the attention of policy makers. Participating in European projects and the general population interest in HBM studies were seen as drivers and opportunities in developing HBM programmes. A key barrier that was cited by countries for establishing and sustaining national HBM programmes was funding which is mainly due to the high costs associated with the collection and chemical analysis of human samples. Although challenges and barriers still exist, most countries within Europe were already conversant with the benefits and opportunities of HBM. This article offers important insights into factors associated with the utilisation of HBM data for policy support and public awareness.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Dragan Gjorgjev
- Institute of Public Health, Republic of North Macedonia, Macedonia
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Georgieva SK, Trifonova T, Peteva Z. Investigation of polychlorinated biphenyls in breast milk from two regions in Bulgaria. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2023; 251:114184. [PMID: 37159972 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2023.114184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Human breast milk is an optimally balanced infant food and a suitable tool for assessing the burden of humans with lipophilic persistent organic pollutants. The aim of this study was to investigate the accumulation profile of polychlorinated biphenyls in breast milk of women living in Bulgaria and to assess the health risk to infants. Breast milk samples were obtained from 72 healthy primiparae and multiparae mothers, living in two regions in northeastern Bulgaria - Varna region and Dobrich region, in the period October 2019-July 2021. Important information for the study, such as age, body mass, smoking and dietary habits, was collected through a questionnaire. Fifteen congeners of PCBs, including six indicator congeners, were determined by capillary gas chromatography system with mass spectrometry detection. The lipid content of the tested samples was in the range from 0.5% to 6.7%, with average value 3.25%. The six indicator PCBs in human milk samples formed up to 89% of the total PCBs levels. The most abundant congener was PCB 153, followed by PCB 138 and PCB 180. Five of the 15 PCB congeners (77, 126, 128, 156, 169) were not detected in any of the milk samples. The arithmetic mean PCB levels in milk samples from Varna (32.7 ng/g lw) were found higher than PCB levels in breast milk of mothers from Dobrich (22.5 ng/g lw). The highest PCB levels were found in milk samples from primiparae mothers in 36-40 age group (for both regions). Infant exposure to PCBs present in human milk was estimated using toxic equivalents (TEQ). The health risk to infants was assessed and was compared to the tolerable daily intake (TDI). Positive correlation was found between the arithmetic mean PCBs levels and two important factors - the age and body mass index of the primiparae group. The mean values of the analyzed PCB congeners in breast milk samples from multiparae were lower than in those from primiparae mothers. The regional differences in PCB concentrations were small, suggesting similar exposures in the studied regions. The levels of PCBs in breast milk were found lower than levels from studies in other European countries. Statistical data does not show any association between PCB levels in milk and dietary habits. The results showed that infants are not at risk of any adverse effects caused by PCBs through breast milk.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Temenuga Trifonova
- Department of Chemistry, Medical University - Varna, 55 Marin Drinov str, 9002, Varna, Bulgaria.
| | - Zlatina Peteva
- Department of Chemistry, Medical University - Varna, 55 Marin Drinov str, 9002, Varna, Bulgaria
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A Call for Biomonitoring Systems in Latin America and the Caribbean: Considerations for Potentially Toxic Metals/Metalloids. Ann Glob Health 2022; 88:80. [PMID: 36185997 PMCID: PMC9479654 DOI: 10.5334/aogh.3637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) region makes up 8.4% of the world’s population. Human biomonitoring (HBM) programs, which can shed light on population-level exposure to environmental contaminants such as toxic metals and thus, improve the health of the populations are inexistent in LAC countries. We call for the creation of HBM programs in the region and identify three viable design options for HBM at the individual level, through national surveys, newborn blood collection, and biobanks. We highlight some of challenges to the implementation of HBM programs, including financial and human resources, technical constrains (laboratory), sample, and data logistics. Finally, we provide the case studies of Brazil, Chile, Mexico, and Uruguay, to illustrate a range of responses to toxic metal exposure in non-occupational populations. Although different in many respects, the individual country responses share two commonalities: 1) academic centers drive the research to raise awareness of governmental entities; 2) reference levels are adapted from international norms rather than arising from the studied populations. Well-designed and sufficiently funded biomonitoring systems need to be established in each country of the LAC region. HBM programs are key to promoting human health by informing the public and contributing to policy processes that establish sustainable environmental controls and health prevention programs.
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Cadmium exposure in adults across Europe: Results from the HBM4EU Aligned Studies survey 2014–2020. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2022; 246:114050. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2022.114050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Évaluation de l’exposition professionnelle au mercure dans les cabinets et cliniques dentaires à Alger. TOXICOLOGIE ANALYTIQUE ET CLINIQUE 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxac.2022.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Harmonization of Human Biomonitoring Studies in Europe: Characteristics of the HBM4EU-Aligned Studies Participants. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19116787. [PMID: 35682369 PMCID: PMC9180444 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19116787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Human biomonitoring has become a pivotal tool for supporting chemicals’ policies. It provides information on real-life human exposures and is increasingly used to prioritize chemicals of health concern and to evaluate the success of chemical policies. Europe has launched the ambitious REACH program in 2007 to improve the protection of human health and the environment. In October 2020 the EU commission published its new chemicals strategy for sustainability towards a toxic-free environment. The European Parliament called upon the commission to collect human biomonitoring data to support chemical’s risk assessment and risk management. This manuscript describes the organization of the first HBM4EU-aligned studies that obtain comparable human biomonitoring (HBM) data of European citizens to monitor their internal exposure to environmental chemicals. The HBM4EU-aligned studies build on existing HBM capacity in Europe by aligning national or regional HBM studies. The HBM4EU-aligned studies focus on three age groups: children, teenagers, and adults. The participants are recruited between 2014 and 2021 in 11 to 12 primary sampling units that are geographically distributed across Europe. Urine samples are collected in all age groups, and blood samples are collected in children and teenagers. Auxiliary information on socio-demographics, lifestyle, health status, environment, and diet is collected using questionnaires. In total, biological samples from 3137 children aged 6–12 years are collected for the analysis of biomarkers for phthalates, HEXAMOLL® DINCH, and flame retardants. Samples from 2950 teenagers aged 12–18 years are collected for the analysis of biomarkers for phthalates, Hexamoll® DINCH, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), and samples from 3522 adults aged 20–39 years are collected for the analysis of cadmium, bisphenols, and metabolites of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The children’s group consists of 50.4% boys and 49.5% girls, of which 44.1% live in cities, 29.0% live in towns/suburbs, and 26.8% live in rural areas. The teenagers’ group includes 50.6% girls and 49.4% boys, with 37.7% of residents in cities, 31.2% in towns/suburbs, and 30.2% in rural areas. The adult group consists of 52.6% women and 47.4% men, 71.9% live in cities, 14.2% in towns/suburbs, and only 13.4% live in rural areas. The study population approaches the characteristics of the general European population based on age-matched EUROSTAT EU-28, 2017 data; however, individuals who obtained no to lower educational level (ISCED 0–2) are underrepresented. The data on internal human exposure to priority chemicals from this unique cohort will provide a baseline for Europe’s strategy towards a non-toxic environment and challenges and recommendations to improve the sampling frame for future EU-wide HBM surveys are discussed.
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Stojsavljević A, Rovčanin M, Miković Ž, Perović M, Jeremić A, Zečević N, Manojlović D. Analysis of essential, toxic, rare earth, and noble elements in maternal and umbilical cord blood. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:37375-37383. [PMID: 35060029 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-18190-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Progressive industrialization in recent decades has contributed to the increase of metal levels in the environment, which has a dangerous impact on human health, primarily pregnant women. In this study, we aimed to compare levels of various elements in maternal and umbilical cord (UC) plasma samples collected from 125 healthy pregnant women, conduct correlation analysis among paired plasma samples, and compare our data with other populations worldwide. The study design included the following elements: essential (Mn, Co, Cu, Zn, Se, Mo), non-essential (Be, Al, Ni, As, Rb, Sr, Cd, Sb, Pb, U), rare earth (La, Pr, Ce, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Dy, Ho, Er), and noble metals (Ru, Rh, Re, Pt). Levels of 30 elements were higher in maternal plasma than in UC plasma samples. However, no disparities at the statistically significant level were found for Be, Zn, Rb, Cd, Ce, and Ho. Correlation analysis among paired plasma samples revealed only positive/synergistic correlations of different strengths between most elements. Compared to other countries across the globe, our participants had considerably lower plasma levels of Zn and higher levels of Co, Ni, and As. This study provides not only a new and deeper comprehension, but also the first insight into the levels, correlation, distribution, and potential transplacental transfer of 30 elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandar Stojsavljević
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 12-16, Belgrade, Serbia.
- Innovation Center of the Faculty of Chemistry, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 12-16, Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Marija Rovčanin
- Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics Narodni front, Kraljice Natalije 62, Belgrade, Serbia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, dr Subotića starijeg 8, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Željko Miković
- Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics Narodni front, Kraljice Natalije 62, Belgrade, Serbia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, dr Subotića starijeg 8, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milan Perović
- Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics Narodni front, Kraljice Natalije 62, Belgrade, Serbia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, dr Subotića starijeg 8, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ana Jeremić
- Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics Narodni front, Kraljice Natalije 62, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Nebojša Zečević
- Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics Narodni front, Kraljice Natalije 62, Belgrade, Serbia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, dr Subotića starijeg 8, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Dragan Manojlović
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 12-16, Belgrade, Serbia
- South Ural State University, Chelyabinsk, Lenin prospect 76, Russia
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Bartel-Steinbach M, Lermen D, Gwinner F, Schäfer M, Göen T, Conrad A, Weber T, von Briesen H, Kolossa-Gehring M. Long-term monitoring of mercury in young German adults: Time trend analyses from the German Environmental Specimen Bank, 1995-2018. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 207:112592. [PMID: 34973943 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
As highlighted in the Minamata Convention, Mercury (Hg) in its various forms poses a substantial risk to human health and the environment. The health relevance of Hg is also recognized by the European Human Biomonitoring Initiative (HBM4EU), which classifies Hg as a priority substance, since considerable knowledge and data gaps on Hg exposure levels and their changes over time still exist in Europe. The German Environmental Specimen Bank (German ESB) provides valuable policy relevant data and long-term trends of substance exposure on a national level for international comparison and evaluation. In this study we analysed data of the German ESB on Hg exposure of young adults aged 20 to 29 including data on urinary Hg levels from 1995 to 2018 and whole blood Hg levels from 2001 to 2010. Results show a clear decrease in both, about 86% in urine total daily Hg excretion from 1995 (0.76 μg/L) to 2018 (0.11 μg/L) (n = 10,069) and about 57% in blood concentrations of Hg from 2001 (1.76 μg/L) to 2010 (0.77 μg/L) (n = 4085). Over the investigated timeframe only a few values exceeded the toxicologically derived health based guidance value HBM I for blood and urine, with these exceedances decreasing over time in line with the general trend. The factors mostly influencing Hg excretion identified in this study are dental amalgam as well as fish and seafood consumption. Besides other factors (e.g. age and sex), also airborne Hg exposure appears to be a low but evident influencing factor in Germany. Although a considerable decrease in internal Hg exposure is recognized in the last decades, the current low-level exposure may cause adverse health effects especially to vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and children. To further elucidate and evaluate current exposure sources and to reduce human exposure to Hg, continuous environmental and human biomonitoring is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dominik Lermen
- Fraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering IBMT, Sulzbach, Germany
| | - Frederik Gwinner
- Fraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering IBMT, Sulzbach, Germany
| | - Moritz Schäfer
- Institute and Outpatient Clinic of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Thomas Göen
- Institute and Outpatient Clinic of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - André Conrad
- German Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt), Berlin, Germany
| | - Till Weber
- German Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt), Berlin, Germany
| | - Hagen von Briesen
- Fraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering IBMT, Sulzbach, Germany
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Tong S, Yang L, Gong H, Wang L, Li H, Yu J, Li Y, Deji Y, Nima C, Zhao S, Gesang Z, Kong C, Wang X, Men Z. Association of selenium, arsenic, and other trace elements in drinking water and urine in residents of the plateau region in China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:26498-26512. [PMID: 34855178 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-17418-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Drinking water is considered to be an important exposure pathway for humans to ingest trace elements; human urine samples are widely accepted as biometric substrates that can reflect human exposure to trace elements. The current study aimed at investigating the concentrations of trace elements including selenium (Se), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) in drinking water and human urine in plateau region of China, determining the association among trace elements in drinking water and urine, and analyzing their associations with age and gender. The results showed that the majority of trace element concentrations were in the range of the World Health Organization (WHO 2011) guideline values, in both urine samples of male and female, and the median values were descending in the order: Zn > Cu > As > Se > Cr > Ni > Mn > Pb > Cd > Co. Selenium contributed to the excretion of As, Cr, Cu, Cd, and Zn in human body, group of 31-40 years appeared to present the greatest excretion ability in most of the trace elements. Weak positive correlations were observed between age and Mn in female urine samples, and negative correlations were observed between age and Se, As, Co, and Cu in male urine samples and between age and Co in female urine samples, respectively. Significant positive correlation was observed in As between drinking water and the whole human urine. In the same family, female seemed to show higher proportions of urinary As levels than male. This study will provide elementary information regarding trace element levels in drinking water and human urine in residents in plateau region of China and is helpful to provide reference for dietary nutrient trace element intake and effective control for local resident.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuangmei Tong
- Key Laboratory of Land Surface Pattern and Simulation, Institute of Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, People's Republic of China
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, People's Republic of China
- College of Tourism and Historical Culture, Liupanshui Normal University, Liupanshui, 553004, China
| | - Linsheng Yang
- Key Laboratory of Land Surface Pattern and Simulation, Institute of Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, People's Republic of China
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongqiang Gong
- Tibet Center of Disease Control and Prevention, Lhasa, 850030, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Wang
- Key Laboratory of Land Surface Pattern and Simulation, Institute of Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, People's Republic of China
| | - Hairong Li
- Key Laboratory of Land Surface Pattern and Simulation, Institute of Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, People's Republic of China.
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jiangping Yu
- Key Laboratory of Land Surface Pattern and Simulation, Institute of Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, People's Republic of China
| | - Yonghua Li
- Key Laboratory of Land Surface Pattern and Simulation, Institute of Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, People's Republic of China
| | - Yangzong Deji
- Tibet Center of Disease Control and Prevention, Lhasa, 850030, People's Republic of China
| | - Cangjue Nima
- Tibet Center of Disease Control and Prevention, Lhasa, 850030, People's Republic of China
| | - Shengcheng Zhao
- Tibet Center of Disease Control and Prevention, Lhasa, 850030, People's Republic of China
| | - Zongji Gesang
- Tibet Center of Disease Control and Prevention, Lhasa, 850030, People's Republic of China
| | - Chang Kong
- Key Laboratory of Land Surface Pattern and Simulation, Institute of Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, People's Republic of China
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoya Wang
- Key Laboratory of Land Surface Pattern and Simulation, Institute of Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, People's Republic of China
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhuming Men
- Key Laboratory of Land Surface Pattern and Simulation, Institute of Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, People's Republic of China
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, People's Republic of China
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Lokvencová L, Zvěřina O, Kuta J. Different trends of Cr, Fe and Zn contents in hair between obese, overweight and normal-weight men. Cent Eur J Public Health 2022; 29:301-304. [PMID: 35026069 DOI: 10.21101/cejph.a6912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Overweight and obesity are risk factors for many diseases, nutrition leading to these phenomena is not only a question of disbalance between energy intake and expenditure, but also the presence of micronutrients. In our study, we focused on measuring residues of chromium, zinc and iron in the hair of men with different BMI. METHODS Hair samples and anthropometric questionnaires were collected from 45 males. Numbers of subjects and age structure were comparable between the three BMI groups. The determination of metal levels was performed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry after mineralization of the hair. RESULTS The hair of obese men contained significantly higher chromium (0.096 μg/g vs. 0.045 μg/g, p = 0.0039) and iron (9.42 μg/g vs. 5.84 μg/g, p = 0.0009) concentrations than that of overweight men, but no significant difference between the normal-weight group and the obese group were found. The concentration of zinc was lower in obese subjects compared to overweight subjects (183.5 μg/g vs. 206.2 μg/g, p = 0.038). Also, statistically significant correlations between chromium and iron concentrations in hair and BMI were found (r = 0.307, p = 0.040, r = 0.360, p = 0.015, respectively). According to our results, age did not significantly affect chromium, iron and zinc concentrations in hair. CONCLUSION Consistent with some published studies, we have found that obese men have higher chromium and iron concentrations and lower zinc concentrations in hair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenka Lokvencová
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Ondřej Zvěřina
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Kuta
- RECETOX Centre, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
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Jung SK, Choi W, Kim SY, Hong S, Jeon HL, Joo Y, Lee C, Choi K, Kim S, Lee KJ, Yoo J. Profile of Environmental Chemicals in the Korean Population-Results of the Korean National Environmental Health Survey (KoNEHS) Cycle 3, 2015-2017. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19020626. [PMID: 35055445 PMCID: PMC8776061 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19020626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The Korean National Environmental Health Survey (KoNEHS) program provides useful information on chemical exposure, serves as the basis for environmental health policies, and suggests appropriate measures to protect public health. Initiated on a three-year cycle in 2009, it reports the concentrations of major environmental chemicals among the representative Korean population. KoNEHS Cycle 3 introduced children and adolescents into the analysis, where the blood and urine samples of 6167 participants were measured for major metals, phthalates, phenolics, and other organic compounds. Lead, mercury, cadmium, metabolites of DEHP and DnBP, and 3-phenoxybenzoic acid levels of the Korean adult population tended to decrease compared to previous survey cycles but remained higher than those observed in the US or Canada. Both bisphenol A (BPA) and trans,trans-muconic acid concentrations have increased over time. Heavy metal concentrations (blood lead, and cadmium) in children and adolescents were approximately half that of adults, while some organic substances (e.g., phthalates and BPA) were high. BPA showed higher levels than in the US or Canada, whereas BPF and BPS showed lower detection rates in this cycle; however, as these are increasingly used as a substitute for BPA, further research is necessary. As environmental chemicals may affect childhood health and development, additional analyses should assess exposure sources and routes through continuous observations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sun Kyoung Jung
- Environmental Health Research Division, National Institute of Environmental Research, Ministry of Environment, Incheon 22689, Korea; (S.K.J.); (S.Y.K.); (S.H.); (H.L.J.); (Y.J.); (C.L.)
- Graduate School of Urban Public Health, University of Seoul, Seoul 02504, Korea
| | - Wookhee Choi
- Monitoring and Analysis Division, Wonju Regional Environmental Office, Ministry of Environment, Wonju 26461, Korea;
| | - Sung Yeon Kim
- Environmental Health Research Division, National Institute of Environmental Research, Ministry of Environment, Incheon 22689, Korea; (S.K.J.); (S.Y.K.); (S.H.); (H.L.J.); (Y.J.); (C.L.)
| | - Sooyeon Hong
- Environmental Health Research Division, National Institute of Environmental Research, Ministry of Environment, Incheon 22689, Korea; (S.K.J.); (S.Y.K.); (S.H.); (H.L.J.); (Y.J.); (C.L.)
| | - Hye Li Jeon
- Environmental Health Research Division, National Institute of Environmental Research, Ministry of Environment, Incheon 22689, Korea; (S.K.J.); (S.Y.K.); (S.H.); (H.L.J.); (Y.J.); (C.L.)
| | - Youngkyung Joo
- Environmental Health Research Division, National Institute of Environmental Research, Ministry of Environment, Incheon 22689, Korea; (S.K.J.); (S.Y.K.); (S.H.); (H.L.J.); (Y.J.); (C.L.)
| | - Chulwoo Lee
- Environmental Health Research Division, National Institute of Environmental Research, Ministry of Environment, Incheon 22689, Korea; (S.K.J.); (S.Y.K.); (S.H.); (H.L.J.); (Y.J.); (C.L.)
| | - Kyungho Choi
- Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea; (K.C.); (S.K.)
| | - Sungkyoon Kim
- Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea; (K.C.); (S.K.)
| | - Kee-Jae Lee
- Department of Information Statistics and Data Science, College of Natural Science, Korea National Open University, Seoul 03087, Korea;
| | - Jiyoung Yoo
- Environmental Health Research Division, National Institute of Environmental Research, Ministry of Environment, Incheon 22689, Korea; (S.K.J.); (S.Y.K.); (S.H.); (H.L.J.); (Y.J.); (C.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-32-560-7103
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Polachova A, Gramblicka T, Bechynska K, Parizek O, Parizkova D, Dvorakova D, Honkova K, Rossnerova A, Rossner P, Sram RJ, Topinka J, Pulkrabova J. Biomonitoring of 89 POPs in blood serum samples of Czech city policemen. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 291:118140. [PMID: 34555793 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
In this biomonitoring study, we evaluated the concentrations of 8 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), 11 organochlorinated pesticides (OCPs), 33 brominated flame retardants (BFRs), 7 novel brominated and chlorinated flame retardants (novel FRs) and 30 per- and polyfluoroalkylated substances (PFAS) in human serum samples (n = 274). A total of 89 persistent organic pollutants (POPs) were measured in blood serum samples of city policemen living in three large cities and their adjacent areas (Ostrava, Prague, and Ceske Budejovice) in the Czech Republic. All samples were collected during the year 2019 in two sampling periods (spring and autumn). The identification/quantification of PCBs, OCPs, BFRs, novel FRs and PFAS was performed by means of gas chromatography coupled to (tandem) mass spectrometry (GC-MS/(MS)) and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). The most frequently detected pollutants were perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA), perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS), perfluorohexanesulfonate (PFHxS), 2,2',3,4,4',5'-hexachlorobiphenyl (CB 138), 2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexachlorobiphenyl (CB 153), 2,2',3,3',4,4',5-heptachlorobiphenyl (CB 170), 2,2',3,4,4',5,5'-heptachlorobiphenyl (CB 180), hexachlorobenzene (HCB), and p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p'-DDE) quantified in 100% of serum samples. In the serum samples, the concentrations of determined POPs were in the range of 0.108-900 ng g-1 lipid weight (lw) for PCBs, 0.106-1016 ng g-1 lw for OCPs, <0.1-618 ng g-1 lw for FRs and <0.01-18.3 ng mL-1 for PFAS, respectively. Locality, sampling season, and age were significantly associated with several POP concentrations. One of the important conclusions was that within the spring sampling period, statistically significant higher concentrations of CB 170 and CB 180 were observed in the samples from Ostrava (industrial area) compared to Prague and Ceske Budejovice. Older policemen had higher concentrations of five PCBs and two OCPs in blood serum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Polachova
- University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Faculty of Food and Biochemical Technology, Department of Food Analysis and Nutrition, Technicka 3, 166 28, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Tomas Gramblicka
- University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Faculty of Food and Biochemical Technology, Department of Food Analysis and Nutrition, Technicka 3, 166 28, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Kamila Bechynska
- University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Faculty of Food and Biochemical Technology, Department of Food Analysis and Nutrition, Technicka 3, 166 28, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Ondrej Parizek
- University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Faculty of Food and Biochemical Technology, Department of Food Analysis and Nutrition, Technicka 3, 166 28, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Denisa Parizkova
- University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Faculty of Food and Biochemical Technology, Department of Food Analysis and Nutrition, Technicka 3, 166 28, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Darina Dvorakova
- University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Faculty of Food and Biochemical Technology, Department of Food Analysis and Nutrition, Technicka 3, 166 28, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Katerina Honkova
- Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Department of Genetic Toxicology and Epigenetics, Videnska 1083, 142 20, Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Andrea Rossnerova
- Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Department of Genetic Toxicology and Epigenetics, Videnska 1083, 142 20, Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Rossner
- Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Department of Nanotoxicology and Molecular Epidemiology Videnska 1083, 142 20, Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Radim J Sram
- Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Department of Genetic Toxicology and Epigenetics, Videnska 1083, 142 20, Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Topinka
- Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Department of Genetic Toxicology and Epigenetics, Videnska 1083, 142 20, Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Pulkrabova
- University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Faculty of Food and Biochemical Technology, Department of Food Analysis and Nutrition, Technicka 3, 166 28, Prague 6, Czech Republic.
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Li X, Wang C, Wang Y, Zhao X, Li N. Determination of 11 minerals in children using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. BMC Pediatr 2021; 21:483. [PMID: 34719383 PMCID: PMC8559380 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-021-02962-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Minerals play an important role in children's growth and cognition. In this study, our aim was to establish reference intervals of mineral level in Children of Liaoning province (China) and provide a reliable basis for future preventive healthcare guidelines. METHODS Random samples of 2217 healthy children aged 0-15 years who were referred for routine hospital laboratory examinations in the cities of Shenyang, Fushun, Fuxin, Benxi, Chaoyang and Lingyuan were invited to participate in the study. Serum levels of Calcium (Ca), Iron (Fe), Zinc (Zn), Magnesium (Mg), Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn), Selenium (Se), Mercury (Hg), Nickel (Ni), Cobalt (Co), and Lithium (Li) were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer(ICP-MS). RESULTS Sex-related significant differences in the serum concentrations of the Mg and Cu (P < 0.05). Age-related significant differences were found in serum levels of Ca, Fe, Zn, Mg, Cu and Mn (P < 0.05) and the concentrations of 9 minerals (Ca, Mg, Cu, Mn,Se,Hg,Ni,Co and Li in serum varied from season to season (P < 0.05). The Spearman correlation matrix of 11 minerals was shown as a heat map, the correlations between Ca-Zn, Ca-Mg, Fe-Zn, Fe-Se, Mn-Ni, Se-Hg, Se-Ni, Hg-Ni, and Ni-Co, Ni-Li were the strongest compared with others. CONCLUSIONS The reference intervals of serum 11 minerals for children should considering the sex, age and season, which may be useful for decisive diagnoses of abnormality of the 11minerals and the related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofeng Li
- Children's Neurorehabilitation Laboratory, Shenyang Children's Hospital, 74 Chongshan Road East, Huanggu District, Shenyang, China
| | | | - Yang Wang
- Shenyang Children's Hospital, Shenyang, China
| | - Xusheng Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Shenyang Medical Mass Spectrometry Technology, Shenyang Harmony Health Medical Laboratory, Shenyang, China
| | - Na Li
- Children's Neurorehabilitation Laboratory, Shenyang Children's Hospital, 74 Chongshan Road East, Huanggu District, Shenyang, China.
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Lead (Pb) and neurodevelopment: A review on exposure and biomarkers of effect (BDNF, HDL) and susceptibility. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2021; 238:113855. [PMID: 34655857 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2021.113855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Lead (Pb) is a ubiquitous environmental pollutant and a potent toxic compound. Humans are exposed to Pb through inhalation, ingestion, and skin contact via food, water, tobacco smoke, air, dust, and soil. Pb accumulates in bones, brain, liver and kidney. Fetal exposure occurs via transplacental transmission. The most critical health effects are developmental neurotoxicity in infants and cardiovascular effects and nephrotoxicity in adults. Pb exposure has been steadily decreasing over the past decades, but there are few recent exposure data from the general European population; moreover, no safe Pb limit has been set. Sensitive biomarkers of exposure, effect and susceptibility, that reliably and timely indicate Pb-associated toxicity are required to assess human exposure-health relationships in a situation of low to moderate exposure. Therefore, a systematic literature review based on PubMed entries published before July 2019 that addressed Pb exposure and biomarkers of effect and susceptibility, neurodevelopmental toxicity, epigenetic modifications, and transcriptomics was conducted. Finally included were 58 original papers on Pb exposure and 17 studies on biomarkers. The biomarkers that are linked to Pb exposure and neurodevelopment were grouped into effect biomarkers (serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and serum/saliva cortisol), susceptibility markers (epigenetic markers and gene sequence variants) and other biomarkers (serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL), maternal iron (Fe) and calcium (Ca) status). Serum BDNF and plasma HDL are potential candidates to be further validated as effect markers for routine use in HBM studies of Pb, complemented by markers of Fe and Ca status to also address nutritional interactions related to neurodevelopmental disorders. For several markers, a causal relationship with Pb-induced neurodevelopmental toxicity is likely. Results on BDNF are discussed in relation to Adverse Outcome Pathway (AOP) 13 ("Chronic binding of antagonist to N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) during brain development induces impairment of learning and memory abilities") of the AOP-Wiki. Further studies are needed to validate sensitive, reliable, and timely effect biomarkers, especially for low to moderate Pb exposure scenarios.
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Gilles L, Govarts E, Rambaud L, Vogel N, Castaño A, Esteban López M, Rodriguez Martin L, Koppen G, Remy S, Vrijheid M, Montazeri P, Birks L, Sepai O, Stewart L, Fiddicke U, Loots I, Knudsen LE, Kolossa-Gehring M, Schoeters G. HBM4EU combines and harmonises human biomonitoring data across the EU, building on existing capacity - The HBM4EU survey. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2021; 237:113809. [PMID: 34455198 PMCID: PMC8504197 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2021.113809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
As part of the Human Biomonitoring for Europe (HBM4EU) initiative a human biomonitoring (HBM) survey is conducted in 21 countries. This survey builds on existing HBM capacity in Europe by aligning national or regional HBM studies. The survey targets 3 age groups (i) children aged 6-11 years, (ii) teenagers aged 12-19 years and (iii) young adults aged 20-39 years and includes a total of 9493 participants (3151 children, 2953 teenagers and 3389 young adults). Depending on the age group, internal exposure to phthalates and substitute Hexamoll® DINCH, brominated and organophosphorus flame retardants, per-/poly-fluorinated compounds, cadmium, bisphenols and/or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are assessed. The main goal of the programme is to obtain quality controlled and comparable HBM data of exposure to chemicals, prioritized under HBM4EU, with European wide coverage to inform the development of environment and health policies. This paper describes the framework of the HBM4EU survey and the approach that has been applied to align European HBM initiatives across Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liese Gilles
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Mol, Belgium.
| | - Eva Govarts
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Mol, Belgium
| | - Loïc Rambaud
- Santé Publique France, French Public Health Agency (ANSP), Saint-Maurice, France
| | - Nina Vogel
- German Environment Agency (UBA), Berlin, Germany
| | - Argelia Castaño
- National Center for Environmental Health, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Esteban López
- National Center for Environmental Health, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Gudrun Koppen
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Mol, Belgium
| | - Sylvie Remy
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Mol, Belgium
| | - Martine Vrijheid
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Parisa Montazeri
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Birks
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Ilse Loots
- Department of Sociology (CRESC) and IMDO, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | | | - Greet Schoeters
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Mol, Belgium; Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; University of Southern Denmark, Institute of Public Health, Department of Environmental Medicine, Odense, Denmark
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Heitland P, Köster HD. Human biomonitoring of 73 elements in blood, serum, erythrocytes and urine. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2021; 64:126706. [PMID: 33352468 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2020.126706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human biomonitoring studies of trace elements in biological fluids are mostly limited to a certain number of elements or biological materials. In this study, we describe the significant extension of a biomonitoring to 73 elements being present in concentration ranges from ng/L to g/L in clinically relevant specimens such as blood, serum, erythrocytes and urine. METHODS The samples were collected from 102 occupationally non-exposed inhabitants of northern Germany. The elements were determined either by inductively coupled plasma tandem mass spectrometry (ICP-MS/MS) in the low concentration range or by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) for essential trace elements and electrolytes. RESULTS Mean values and selected percentiles of element concentrations are presented for all sample materials. From the results, we calculated the distribution of elements between plasma and blood cells. Application of ICP-MS/MS improves selectivity and accuracy in the determination of elements that are strongly spectrally interfered, such as Cr, Ge, Pd or Ti in blood samples. CONCLUSIONS This publication provides very valuable information for occupational or environmental hygienists, toxicologists and clinical chemists due to the particularly high number of determined elements and presented concentration ranges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Heitland
- Medical Laboratory Bremen, Haferwende 12, D-28357, Bremen, Germany.
| | - Helmut D Köster
- Medical Laboratory Bremen, Haferwende 12, D-28357, Bremen, Germany
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Penteado JO, Brum RDL, Ramires PF, Garcia EM, Dos Santos M, da Silva Júnior FMR. Health risk assessment in urban parks soils contaminated by metals, Rio Grande city (Brazil) case study. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 208:111737. [PMID: 33396065 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.111737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Soils and artificial surfaces of urban parks can be contaminated by toxic substances and offer risk to the human health, especially to children. Rio Grande city, southern Brazil, is a peculiar site from the point of view of environmental contamination, since the current levels of contamination reflect an accumulation of different polluting sources started in the 18th century up to the urban and industrial sources of the present. The history of Hg contamination refers to the use of Hg salts in textile activities in the 18th century and the consequent use of contaminated sediments to land urban areas. The current contamination involves metals such as Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn is related to the high degree of urbanization in the city, as well as the petrochemical and fertilizer industry. The study aimed to achieve a human health risk assessment of urban parks soils, specifically for Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb and Zn. To carry out the risk assessment using the USEPA model, three urban parks with a history of contamination were studied, using different soil exposure pathways (oral, dermal and inhalation) in the carcinogenic (Ni and Pb) and non-carcinogenic (Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb and Zn) scenarios for children and adults. The non-carcinogenic risk of Pb was found in the three urban parks studied, for children and Hg in two urban parks. Pb and Ni showed no carcinogenic risk. Even so, the high non-carcinogenic risk of Hg and Pb showed that the contamination of the past and the present are found in the urban parks of Rio Grande city, putting the health of children who use these collective spaces at risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Júlia Oliveira Penteado
- Laboratório de Ensaios Farmacológicos e Toxicológicos, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Brazil; Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Rio Grande, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo de Lima Brum
- Laboratório de Ensaios Farmacológicos e Toxicológicos, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Brazil; Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Rio Grande, Brazil
| | - Paula Florêncio Ramires
- Laboratório de Ensaios Farmacológicos e Toxicológicos, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Brazil; Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Rio Grande, Brazil
| | - Edariane Menestrino Garcia
- Laboratório de Ensaios Farmacológicos e Toxicológicos, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Brazil
| | - Marina Dos Santos
- Laboratório de Ensaios Farmacológicos e Toxicológicos, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Brazil; Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Rio Grande, Brazil
| | - Flavio Manoel Rodrigues da Silva Júnior
- Laboratório de Ensaios Farmacológicos e Toxicológicos, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Brazil; Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Rio Grande, Brazil.
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Jagodić J, Rovčanin B, Paunović I, Jovanović M, Gavrović-Jankulović M, Manojlović D, Stojsavljević A. The first insight into the trace element status of human adrenal gland accompanied by elemental alterations in adrenal adenomas. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2021; 63:126658. [PMID: 33035811 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2020.126658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The baseline status of trace metals in adrenal tissue is unresolved, while the elemental profile for any adrenal pathology has not been examined so far. This study aimed to determine the baseline status of important toxic (Ni, As, Cd, Pb, Th, U) and essential trace elements (Mn, Co, Cu, Zn, Se) in healthy adrenal tissues (HATs) as well as to examine whether there are alterations in the elemental composition of adenomatous adrenal tissues (AATs). Furthermore, this study aimed to find potential trace metals that could play a role in the pathogenesis of adrenal adenoma (AA). METHODS The study included 45 patients diagnosed with AA. Impacts of relevant parameters such as gender, age, smoking habits and nodular sizes were considered. All samples were subjected to microwave digestion and the trace elements were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). RESULTS This is the first study that provided an insight into the elemental status of HATs. It was also shown that AATs had altered trace metal contents. Compared to HATs, the most significant findings were related to the high content of essential (Cu, Mn, Se, Zn) and Pb as a non-essential metal. Although gender, age and smoking habits had a modest effect on metal profiles, the most significant alterations were related to the nodular diameter above 4 cm, indicating that the growth of benign tumor could influence changes in elemental composition. CONCLUSION For the first time the baseline contents of essential and toxic trace metals in HATs were determined. The results of this study may highlight the role of toxic and essential trace metals in AAs and could provide new insights into the molecular basis of pathophysiological changes caused by the hazardous effects of trace metals on adrenal structure and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jovana Jagodić
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of Belgrade, Faculty of Chemistry, Studentski trg 12-16, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Branislav Rovčanin
- Department of Endocrine Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia; Center for Endocrine Surgery, Clinical Center of Serbia, Dr Subotića 13, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ivan Paunović
- Department of Endocrine Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia; Center for Endocrine Surgery, Clinical Center of Serbia, Dr Subotića 13, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milan Jovanović
- Department of Endocrine Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia; Center for Endocrine Surgery, Clinical Center of Serbia, Dr Subotića 13, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marija Gavrović-Jankulović
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Belgrade, Faculty of Chemistry, Studentski trg 12-16, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Dragan Manojlović
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of Belgrade, Faculty of Chemistry, Studentski trg 12-16, Belgrade, Serbia; Departments Ecology, Management of Natural Resources and Chemical Engineering, South Ural State University, Lenin Prospect 76, Chelyabinsk, Russia
| | - Aleksandar Stojsavljević
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of Belgrade, Faculty of Chemistry, Studentski trg 12-16, Belgrade, Serbia; Innovation Center of the Faculty of Chemistry, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 12-16, Belgrade, Serbia.
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A Phased Approach for preparation and organization of human biomonitoring studies. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2020; 232:113684. [PMID: 33373963 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2020.113684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human biomonitoring (HBM) studies like other epidemiological studies are costly and time-consuming. They require the administration of questionnaires and collection of biological samples, putting substantial burden on the participants which may result in low participation rates. The growing importance of HBM studies in epidemiology, exposure assessment and risk assessment underline the importance of optimizing study planning, designing and implementation thus minimizing the above-mentioned difficulties. METHODS Based on frameworks from survey design and fieldwork preparation of the European Joint Program HBM4EU, the German Environment Surveys and the COPHES/DEMOCOPHES twin projects combined with elements of project management strategies, a Phased Approach has been developed, introducing a step-by-step guideline for the development of epidemiological studies. RESULTS The Phased Approach splits the process of developing a study into six phases: Phase 0 (Scoping and Planning): All aspects that are necessary to conduct a study are compiled and put on the agenda for decision-making. Phase 1 (Preparation and Testing): Instruments (e.g. questionnaires), materials (e.g. guidelines, information), and ethics and data management issues, needing thorough preparation and testing before a study can start. Phase 2 (Initiation): Organization and acquisition of necessary equipment and engaging and training personnel. Phase 3 (Implementation): All procedures that require temporal proximity to the start date of fieldwork, such as obtaining contact information of invitees. Phase 4 (Fieldwork and Analysis): Involvement of participants and chemical analysis of the collected samples. Phase 5 (Results and Evaluation): Final procedures leading to closure of the project, such as providing and communicating results. CONCLUSIONS The separation of the planning and conduct of human biomonitoring studies into different phases creates the basis for a structured procedure and facilitates a step-by-step approach reducing costs, warranting high participation rates and increasing quality of conduct. Emphasis is put on a comprehensive scoping phase ensuring high quality of the study design, which is indispensable for reliable results.
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Ongono JS, Béranger R, Baghdadli A, Mortamais M. Pesticides used in Europe and autism spectrum disorder risk: can novel exposure hypotheses be formulated beyond organophosphates, organochlorines, pyrethroids and carbamates? - A systematic review. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 187:109646. [PMID: 32460093 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A growing body of evidences suggests an association between early exposure to organophosphates (OPs), organochlorines (OCs), pyrethroids or carbamates and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, there are limited data about the other pesticide groups, especially in Europe. OBJECTIVES Based on a systematic review, we aimed to assess the influence of neuro- and thyrotoxic agricultural and domestic pesticides (other than OPs, OCs, pyrethroids and carbamates) authorized in Europe on risk of ASD in children or ASD behavioral phenotypes in rodents. METHODS Pesticides were initially identified in the Hazardous Substances Data Bank. 20 currently used (10 pesticide groups) were retained based on the higher exposure potential. Epidemiological (children) and in vivo (rodents) studies were identified through PubMed, Web of Science and TOXLINE, without restriction of publication date or country (last update: November 2019). The risk of bias and level of evidence were also assessed. This systematic review is registered at the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO, registration number CRD42019145384). RESULTS In total, two epidemiological and 15 in vivo studies were retained, focusing on the azole, neonicotinoid, phenylpyrazole and phosphonoglycine pesticide groups. No study was conducted in Europe. Glyphosate, imidacloprid, clothianidin, myclobutanil, acetamiprid, tebuconazole, thiabendazole and fipronil, globally reported an association with an increased risk of ASD in children and/or ASD behavioral phenotypes in rodents. In children, glyphosate and myclobutanil showed a "moderate level of evidence" in their association with ASD, whereas imidacloprid showed an "inadequate level of evidence". In rodents, clothianidin, imidacloprid and glyphosate showed a "high level of evidence" in their association with altered behavioral, learning and memory skills. CONCLUSION In the framework of environmental risk factors of ASD, novel hypotheses can be formulated about early exposure to eight pesticides. Glyphosate presented the most salient level of evidence. Given their neuro- and thyrotoxic properties, additional studies are needed for the 12 other pesticides not yet studied as potential ASD risk factors according to our inclusion criteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanne Sandrine Ongono
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Inserm, CESP, DevPsy, 94807, Villejuif, France; Department of Psychiatry and Autism Resources Center, University Research and Hospital Center (CHU) of Montpellier, 34000, France.
| | - Remi Béranger
- Univ Rennes, CHU Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail), UMR S 1085, 35000, Rennes, France.
| | - Amaria Baghdadli
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Inserm, CESP, DevPsy, 94807, Villejuif, France; Department of Psychiatry and Autism Resources Center, University Research and Hospital Center (CHU) of Montpellier, 34000, France; School of Medicine, Univ. Montpellier, France.
| | - Marion Mortamais
- INSERM, Univ Montpellier, Neuropsychiatry: Epidemiological and Clinical Research, Montpellier, France.
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Stojsavljević A, Rovčanin B, Jagodić J, Radojković DD, Paunović I, Gavrović-Jankulović M, Manojlović D. Significance of arsenic and lead in Hashimoto's thyroiditis demonstrated on thyroid tissue, blood, and urine samples. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 186:109538. [PMID: 32334172 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Revised: 04/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Our previous investigation showed significantly increased arsenic (As) content in thyroid tissue samples of patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT). This research aimed to extend previous findings and provide reliable insight into the close relationship between As and other trace elements with HT by considering a greater number of thyroid tissue samples, accompanied by blood and urine samples. The essential trace elements for thyroid homeostasis (Mn, Cu, Zn, Se) and the main threatening toxic trace elements (Ni, As, Pb, Cd, U) was analyzed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Relevant parameters that could affect the concentration of trace elements were considered. This research showed that there was a difference in the elemental profile between HT and control samples. The most important findings were related to the elevated As and Pb content in the thyroid tissue and HT blood samples. The obtained negative correlations between As and Pb with Se may explain the antagonistic effect of As and Pb on the extrusion of essential Se from the HT tissue. The reduced Se content in the blood and its increased content in urine samples may further confirm this hypothesis and explain the lack of Se in HT. Furthermore, the reported results may highlight the unresolved molecular basis of HT and could indicate the role of trace element effects on thyroid homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandar Stojsavljević
- University of Belgrade - Faculty of Chemistry, Studentski trg 12-16, Belgrade, Serbia; Innovation Centre of the Faculty of Chemistry, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 12-16, Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Branislav Rovčanin
- Center for Endocrine Surgery, Clinical Center of Serbia, Koste Todorovica 8, Belgrade, Serbia; University of Belgrade - Faculty of Medicine, Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jovana Jagodić
- University of Belgrade - Faculty of Chemistry, Studentski trg 12-16, Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Ivan Paunović
- Center for Endocrine Surgery, Clinical Center of Serbia, Koste Todorovica 8, Belgrade, Serbia; University of Belgrade - Faculty of Medicine, Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Dragan Manojlović
- University of Belgrade - Faculty of Chemistry, Studentski trg 12-16, Belgrade, Serbia; South Ural State University, Chelyabinsk, Lenin prospect 76, Russia
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Shi H, Wang J, Yuan J, Tan X, Wang X, Chen C, Feng S. Biomonitoring human urinary levels of 26 metal elements in multi-race coexistence region of Xinjiang, China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 711:134752. [PMID: 31812390 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.134752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Revised: 09/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/29/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The human biological monitoring of metals (metalloids) is of importance, which concentrations could indicate a wide range of health related information. Reference values (RVs) of metals (metalloids) in specific matix of populations are critically required when performing a statistical evaluation accurately. Recent studies show that RVs of metals (metalloids) are influenced by many multiple factors, including lifestyle, diet, dissimilar environment, location, as well as race. However, it is virtually absent across many nations/regions, especially multi-race coexistence regions. The aim of the work was to establish RVs of metals (metalloids) in urine of adult in Xinjiang, China. Totally 178 urine samples from healthy volunteers were collected and analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer or optical emission spectrometer (ICP-MS/OES). RVs of 26 metals (metalloids) in urine for adult of Xinjiang, China were then established. Effects of race, gender and age on RVs were investigated using partial least squares discriminant analysis and student T-test. The result demonstrated that above factors showed mild influence for the establishment of RVs. The RVs derived from total 178 urine adult samples (Han and Uygur half of each) can be applied for different race, gender and age periods. Moreover, it was observed that three metals (metalloids), As, Sc and Ba significantly varied between some subgroups. The established RVs will be valuable for future health or environmental evaluation, and can serve as a theoretical reference for RVs establishment in multi-race coexistence region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haizhu Shi
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China
| | - Jingjing Wang
- Technical Center of Urumqi Customs, Urumqi, 830000, China
| | - Jie Yuan
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China
| | - Xiaopei Tan
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China
| | - Xinxing Wang
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China
| | - Cheng Chen
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China; Technical Center of Urumqi Customs, Urumqi, 830000, China
| | - Shun Feng
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China.
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Reference values for heavy metals in the urine and blood of Saudi women derived from two human biomonitoring studies. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2020; 225:113473. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2020.113473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Revised: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Tsygankov VY, Gumovskaya YP, Gumovskiy AN, Donets MM, Koval IP, Boyarova MD. Bioaccumulation of POPs in human breast milk from south of the Russian Far East and exposure risk to breastfed infants. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:5951-5957. [PMID: 31863377 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-07394-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The present study is a stage of the regular POP monitoring conducted in the framework of the Russian Federation's National Implementation Plan under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. The POPs concentration (ΣHCH+ΣDDT+ΣPCB) in the samples ranged from 23 to 878 (with a mean of 151.4) ng/g lipid. The ranges of concentrations of OCPs (ΣHCH+ΣDDT) and PCBs were 2.8-291 and 3.2-720 ng/g lipid, respectively. The mean values of OCPs and PCBs amounted to 80.1 and 74.9 ng/g lipid, respectively. As suggested by the results of the EDI calculation, intake of PCBs is slightly high in infants. The fact that most studies have associated PCB with effects, such as development of congenital deformity, reduced immunity, lower weight, and small baby size at birth, makes it an alarming situation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliy Yu Tsygankov
- School of Biomedicine, Far Eastern Federal University (FEFU), 8 Sukhanova str., 690091, Vladivostok, Russia.
- School of Natural Sciences, Far Eastern Federal University (FEFU), 8 Sukhanova str., 690091, Vladivostok, Russia.
| | - Yulia P Gumovskaya
- School of Biomedicine, Far Eastern Federal University (FEFU), 8 Sukhanova str., 690091, Vladivostok, Russia
| | - Alexandr N Gumovskiy
- School of Biomedicine, Far Eastern Federal University (FEFU), 8 Sukhanova str., 690091, Vladivostok, Russia
| | - Maksim M Donets
- School of Biomedicine, Far Eastern Federal University (FEFU), 8 Sukhanova str., 690091, Vladivostok, Russia
| | - Irina P Koval
- School of Biomedicine, Far Eastern Federal University (FEFU), 8 Sukhanova str., 690091, Vladivostok, Russia
| | - Margarita D Boyarova
- School of Biomedicine, Far Eastern Federal University (FEFU), 8 Sukhanova str., 690091, Vladivostok, Russia
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Repić A, Bulat P, Antonijević B, Antunović M, Džudović J, Buha A, Bulat Z. The influence of smoking habits on cadmium and lead blood levels in the Serbian adult people. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:751-760. [PMID: 31811606 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-06840-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
According to the World Health Organization, in 2015, the Serbian population ranked among the highest ones in Europe in terms of smoking habit: 44.3% males and 36.2% females aged 18-64 smoked tobacco. In the last 7 years, 25% of total mortality in men and 9% in women from Serbia were associated with smoking. Tobacco smoking is one of the most important sources of exposure to many toxic substances in general population. Our study confirmed higher blood levels of two toxic metals, cadmium and lead, in the blood of smokers (3.5 and 1.5 times higher than in non-smokers, respectively). Furthermore, smoking habits, such as number of smoked cigarettes per day, smoking period and cigarette type, along with age, were shown to influence these metals' blood concentration. Higher blood levels of Cd and Pb were found in smokers consuming more than 10 cigarettes per day for more than 10 years. The present study also highlighted the importance of the controlled tobacco production, since it was shown that consumption of illicit tobacco could manifold the exposure to toxic metals that can subsequently increase the frequency of related diseases as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Repić
- Department of Toxicology "Akademik Danilo Soldatović", Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 450, Belgrade, 11000, Serbia
- Serbian Institute of Occupational Health "Dr Dragomir Karajović", Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Petar Bulat
- Serbian Institute of Occupational Health "Dr Dragomir Karajović", Belgrade, Serbia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Biljana Antonijević
- Department of Toxicology "Akademik Danilo Soldatović", Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 450, Belgrade, 11000, Serbia
| | - Marko Antunović
- National Poison Control Center, Military Medical Academy, Belgrade, Serbia
- Faculty of Medicine of the Military Medical Academy, University of Defence, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jelena Džudović
- National Poison Control Center, Military Medical Academy, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Aleksandra Buha
- Department of Toxicology "Akademik Danilo Soldatović", Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 450, Belgrade, 11000, Serbia.
| | - Zorica Bulat
- Department of Toxicology "Akademik Danilo Soldatović", Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 450, Belgrade, 11000, Serbia
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Li MM, Gao ZY, Dong CY, Wu MQ, Yan J, Cao J, Ma WJ, Wang J, Gong YL, Xu J, Cai SZ, Chen JY, Xu SQ, Tong S, Tang D, Zhang J, Yan CH. Contemporary blood lead levels of children aged 0-84 months in China: A national cross-sectional study. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 134:105288. [PMID: 31765862 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2019.105288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Revised: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Despite the global abundance of studies on children's lead (Pb) exposure, the magnitude of Pb exposure among children across China remains unclear, especially for rural areas. In 2000, Pb was removed from petrol, marking a change in the sources of Pb exposure in China. To better understand children's Pb exposure and inform potential approaches to exposure reduction, we conducted a national blood Pb survey of 31,373 children (0-84 months old) from May 2013 to March 2015, using a multi-stage and multi-strata sampling method. Blood lead levels (BLLs) were tested using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry with a detection limit of 1 µg/L. The results show that Chinese children had a contemporary geometric mean (GM) BLL of 26.7 μg/L, with 8.6% of BLLs exceeding 50 µg/L. Boys had higher BLLs (GM 27.2 μg/L) compared to girls (GM: 25.9 μg/L) (p < 0.001). Children at the age of 0-36 months had a lower PbB (GM 25.7 μg/L) level compared with those aged 36-84 months (GM 27.9 μg/L) (p < 0.001). When taking into account sociodemographic factors, a multivariate logistic regression analysis shows that the odds ratios (OR) of having a BLL of 27 µg/dL (i.e., median BLL of this study) or higher were 1.88 (95% CI: 1.76, 2.02) and 1.35 (95% CI: 1.22, 1.49) for homes using coal and biomass fuels, respectively, compared to those using gas or electricity. Meanwhile, children in homes close to roads were more likely to have BLLs exceeding 27 µg/dL (OR: 1.11, 95% CI: 1.03, 1.20). In China, rural children had higher BLLs compared to urban children. As a result of pediatric exposure to Pb, there were approximately 144 million and 36 million IQ points lost for rural children and urban children, respectively, revealing a disparity of Pb exposure between rural and urban areas in China. Cleaner domestic fuels and improved cooking/heating equipment will reduce contemporary Pb exposure in rural areas. In addition, the association between contemporary BLLs and distance away from roads further suggests that resuspension of legacy soil/dust Pb should not be neglected in future remediation programs and household interventions. As a large scale survey, this study provides evidence for revising the reference value of BLL, improving the guideline for clinical and public health management, and implementing interventions to prevent adverse health outcomes associated with low-level Pb exposure in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Ming Li
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China; Children's Health Department, Shanghai Center for Women and Children's Health, Shanghai 200062, PR China
| | - Zhen-Yan Gao
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China; Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Xinhua Hospital, Affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, PR China
| | - Chen-Yin Dong
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China
| | - Mei-Qin Wu
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China
| | - Jin Yan
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China
| | - Jia Cao
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China
| | - Wen-Juan Ma
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China
| | - Ju Wang
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China
| | - Ying-Liang Gong
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China
| | - Jian Xu
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China
| | - Shi-Zhong Cai
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China
| | - Jing-Yuan Chen
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health and Ministry of Education Key Lab of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environment, School of Public Health, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, PR China
| | - Shun-Qing Xu
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubation), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, PR China
| | - Shilu Tong
- Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Pudong, Shanghai 200127, PR China; Institute of Environment and Population Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, PR China; School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, 4056 QLD, Australia
| | - Deliang Tang
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Jun Zhang
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China
| | - Chong-Huai Yan
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China.
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Stojsavljević A, Jagodić J, Vujotić L, Borković-Mitić S, Rašić-Milutinović Z, Jovanović D, Gavrović-Jankulović M, Manojlović D. Reference values for trace essential elements in the whole blood and serum samples of the adult Serbian population: significance of selenium deficiency. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:1397-1405. [PMID: 31748992 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-06936-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
This study was aimed to determine reference values (RVs) for the manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and selenium (Se) in the whole blood (B) and serum (S) samples of the Serbian population. Blood specimens were collected from healthy persons (n = 295; women/men ratio = 149/146; mean age: 42 ± 2 years). The RVs were calculated as lower limit (LL) and upper limit (UL) of the 95% confidence interval (CI) and were expressed as percentiles (P) in the range from P2.5 to P97.5. The influences of sex, age, and smoking habits on element profiles were considered. It was found that the contents of B-Cu and S-Cu were higher in women, while the contents of B-Zn and S-Zn were higher in men. Both trace elements were significantly increased in a group of persons above 40 when compared to a younger persons (≤ 40 years). According to smoking habits, increased content was found only for S-Mn in the nonsmoker's group (p < 0.05). Comparing our results to the results reported in other population groups worldwide, the Serbian population had significantly reduced content of Se in both types of samples. This finding could highlight the deficiency of Se in the investigated Serbian population and could contribute to the better understanding of the molecular basis for the increased incidence of thyroid and other diseases in which selenium plays a key role.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jovana Jagodić
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 16, Belgrade, 11000, Serbia
| | - Ljiljana Vujotić
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotića 8, Belgrade, 11000, Serbia
- Clinical Center of Serbia, Neurosurgery Division, Dr Koste Torodorića 4, Belgrade, 11000, Serbia
| | - Slavica Borković-Mitić
- Department of Physiology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", University of Belgrade, Bulevar despota Stefana 142, Belgrade, 11060, Serbia
| | | | - Dragana Jovanović
- Institute of Public Health of Serbia "Dr Milan Jovanović Batut", Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Dragan Manojlović
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 16, Belgrade, 11000, Serbia
- South Ural State University, Lenin prospect 76, 454080, Chelyabinsk, Russia
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Ferron MM, Kuno R, Campos AEMD, Castro FJVD, Gouveia N. Cadmium, lead and mercury in the blood of workers from recycling sorting facilities in São Paulo, Brazil. CAD SAUDE PUBLICA 2020; 36:e00072119. [DOI: 10.1590/0102-311x00072119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract: Approximately 600,000 people work as recycling material collectors in Brazil and few studies evaluate the health risks involved in this occupation. The objective was to evaluate the blood levels of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg) among workers from recycling sorting facilities (RSF) in the metropolitan region of São Paulo, Brazil, compare the results with a non-occupationally exposed population, and identify factors associated with higher blood metal levels. Four RSF were selected and 226 collectors were examined for their blood metal levels and associated factors. The mean concentration of Cd (arithmetic mean - AM: 0.47µgL-1; geometric mean - GM: 0.34µgL-1) was almost four times higher than those found in a reference study. The generalized linear model (GLM) indicated that the “RSF where the collectors work”, “work in another occupation”, and “smoking” were statistically significant predictors of blood Cd levels. The Pb mean concentration (AM: 39.13µgL-1; GM: 34.11µgL-1) was also higher than the observed in the reference study (about 1.4 times) and its associated factors in the GLM were “the RSF where the collectors work”, “sex”, “smoking”, “age” and “meat consumption”. The Hg mean concentration (AM: 1.46µgL-1; GM: 0.94µgL-1) was not significantly higher than the reference population and its associated factors were “previous work in other RSF”, “fish consumption” and “years of work in the current RSF”. This study indicates that recycling material collectors have higher blood Cd and Pb levels compared to the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Maleronka Ferron
- Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil; Faculdade Israelita de Ciências da Saúde Albert Einstein, Brazil
| | - Rúbia Kuno
- Companhia Ambiental do Estado de São Paulo, Brasil
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Remy S, Hambach R, Van Sprundel M, Teughels C, Nawrot TS, Buekers J, Cornelis C, Bruckers L, Schoeters G. Intelligence gain and social cost savings attributable to environmental lead exposure reduction strategies since the year 2000 in Flanders, Belgium. Environ Health 2019; 18:113. [PMID: 31881883 PMCID: PMC6935110 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-019-0548-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent lead (Pb) exposure reduction strategies enabled to lower children's blood lead levels (B-Pb) worldwide. This study reports the estimated intelligence gain and social cost savings attributable to recent exposure reduction based on reported B-Pb levels observed in adolescents sampled within the framework of the Flemish Environment and Health Studies (FLEHS, Belgium), i.e. in 2003-2004 (FLEHSI), in 2008-2009 (FLEHSII), and in 2013-2014 (FLEHSIII). METHODS Intelligence Quotient (IQ) loss per 100,000 individuals - attributable to B-Pb above 20 μg/L - was estimated based on widely accepted dose response functions between children's B-Pb and IQ (- 1.88 IQ points for a duplication in B-Pb from 20 μg/L onwards; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): - 1.16;-2.59) and B-Pb exposure distribution parameters of FLEHS studies. The results were translated to the Flemish population of 15-year-olds. Given a 3-year time gap between subsequent sampling periods, the exposure distribution of each study was assumed 3 years prior to the study as well. Economic impact was estimated based on expected decrease in lifetime earnings (€ 19,464 per decreasing IQ point in 2018). RESULTS The percentage of the adolescent population exceeding a B-Pb of 20 μg/L decreased from 57% (FLEHSI) to 23% (FLEHSII), and even further to 2.5% (FLEHSIII). The estimated IQ loss per 100,000 individuals was 94,280 (95% CI: 58,427-130,138) in FLEHSI, 14,993 (95% CI: 9289-20,695) in FLEHSII, and 976 (95% CI: 604-1347) in FLEHSIII. This translates into a total loss of 378,962 (95%CI: 234,840-523,091) IQ points within the Flemish population of 15-year-olds between 2000 and 2014. Assuming that current exposure levels do not reincrease, the expected IQ loss during the subsequent period of 15 years is estimated to be maximally 10,275 (95%CI: 6363-14,182) points. CONCLUSIONS 7176 (95%CI: 4447-9905) million € of social cost savings were achieved by Pb reduction strategies in Flanders over 15 years. If current exposure levels further reduce to B-Pb below 20 μg/L for the whole population, social cost savings may increase up to 7376 (95%CI: 4571-10,181) million €. Given the relatively low lead contamination in Flanders, the global impact of ongoing reduction strategies is expected to be tremendous.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvie Remy
- Sustainable Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium.
- Department of Epidemiology and Social Medicine, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium.
| | - Ramona Hambach
- Occupational Health Service Attentia Prevention & Protection, Keizer Karellaan 584, 1082, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marc Van Sprundel
- Department of Epidemiology and Social Medicine, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Caroline Teughels
- Vlaams Planbureau voor Omgeving, Koning Albert II laan 20, bus 8, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Tim S Nawrot
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Gebouw D, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium
- Department of Public Health & Primary Care, Leuven University, Herestraat 49 - bus 706, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jurgen Buekers
- Sustainable Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium
| | - Christa Cornelis
- Sustainable Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium
| | - Liesbeth Bruckers
- I-BioStat, University of Hasselt, Agoralaan Gebouw D, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Greet Schoeters
- Sustainable Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
- University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230, Odense, Denmark
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Upregulation of vitamin D-binding protein is associated with changes in insulin production in pancreatic beta-cells exposed to p,p'-DDT and p,p'-DDE. Sci Rep 2019; 9:18026. [PMID: 31792309 PMCID: PMC6889289 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-54579-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Persistent organochlorine pollutants (POPs) gradually accumulate in the human organism due to their presence in the environment. Some studies have described a correlation between the level of POPs in the human body and the incidence of diabetes, but we know little about the direct effect of POPs on pancreatic beta-cells. We exposed pancreatic beta-cells INS1E to non-lethal concentrations of p,p′-DDT (1,1′-(2,2,2-Trichloroethane-1,1-diyl)bis(4-chlorobenzene)) and p,p′-DDE (1,1′-(2,2-dichloroethene-1,1-diyl)bis(4-chlorobenzene)) for 1 month, and assessed changes in protein expression and the intracellular insulin level. 2-D electrophoresis revealed 6 proteins with changed expression in cells exposed to p,p′-DDT or p,p′-DDE. One of the detected proteins – vitamin D-binding protein (VDBP) – was upregulated in both cells exposed to p,p′-DDT, and cells exposed to p,p′-DDE. Both exposures to pollutants reduced the intracellular level of insulin mRNA, proinsulin, and insulin monomer; p,p′-DDT also slightly reduced the level of hexameric insulin. Overexpression of VDBP caused by the stable transfection of beta-cells with the gene for VDBP decreased both the proinsulin and hexameric insulin level in beta-cells similarly to the reduction detected in cells exposed to p,p′-DDT. Our data suggest that in the cells exposed to p,p′-DDT and p,p′-DDE, the increased VDBP protein level decreased the proinsulin expression in an unknown mechanism.
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Stojsavljević A, Rovčanin B, Krstić Đ, Borković-Mitić S, Paunović I, Kodranov I, Gavrović-Jankulović M, Manojlović D. Evaluation of trace metals in thyroid tissues: Comparative analysis with benign and malignant thyroid diseases. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2019; 183:109479. [PMID: 31365889 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2019.109479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2019] [Revised: 06/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Evaluation of trace metals at level of solid tissue can provide better information than blood or urine and, therefore, could highlight the role of metals in the etiology of organ-specific disease. The current study aimed to establish the baseline content of four essential (Mn, Cu, Zn, Se) and four toxic metals (As, Cd, Pb, U) in the healthy thyroid tissues (HTTs) by considering sex, age and smoking habits. A further aim was to examine whether differences in the content of metals exist in regard to the thyroid diseases, such as benign tumor (BT), Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT), multinodular goiter (MNG) and thyroid cancer (TC). A total number of investigated tissue samples were 423. All metals were quantified by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). It was found that the content of Cu and U was higher in HTTs of women, while the content of Zn was higher in HTTs of men. Increased content of Zn and decreased content of U was found in the group of HTTs above 50 years compared to a younger group (<50 years). Increased content of Cd, Pb and U distinguish smokers from the non-smokers. In comparison with other population groups worldwide, investigated Serbian population had up to 15 times reduced content of Se. Despite the difference in metal's profile according to biological variables, this study also demonstrated, for the first time, that each thyroid disease has its unique metal's profile. The most altered metal's content was found in tissues with HT. Contrarily, the greatest similarity in metal's content with HTTs was found in BT tissues. Based on the increased content, metal's that dominantly discriminated HTTs from the HT, MNG and TC was As, Pb and Cd, respectively. Reported results could highlight the role of toxic and essential trace metals in the not very well clarified etiology of thyroid diseases and, moreover, could provide a molecular basis for pathophysiological changes of metal's hazardous effects on thyroid health at the tissue level.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Branislav Rovčanin
- Center for Endocrine Surgery, Clinical Center of Serbia, Dr Subotića 13, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Đurđa Krstić
- University of Belgrade - Faculty of Chemistry, Studentski Trg 12-16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Slavica Borković-Mitić
- Department of Physiology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", University of Belgrade, Bulevar Despota Stefana 142, Belgrade 11060, Serbia
| | - Ivan Paunović
- Center for Endocrine Surgery, Clinical Center of Serbia, Dr Subotića 13, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Igor Kodranov
- University of Belgrade - Faculty of Chemistry, Studentski Trg 12-16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Dragan Manojlović
- University of Belgrade - Faculty of Chemistry, Studentski Trg 12-16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; South Ural State University, Chelyabinsk, Lenin Prospect 76, 454080, Russia
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Komprda J, Komprdová K, Domínguez-Romero E, Mikeš O, Řiháčková K, Čupr P, Černá M, Scheringer M. Dynamics of PCB exposure in the past 50 years and recent high concentrations in human breast milk: Analysis of influencing factors using a physiologically based pharmacokinetic model. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 690:388-399. [PMID: 31299572 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.06.504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Revised: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/29/2019] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
In this study we reconstruct the long-term exposure of Czech mothers to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and determine the causes of high contamination of breast milk by indicator PCBs (iPCBs). A data set containing information from more than 1000 primiparous women from the Czech Republic was used, including iPCB concentrations in breast milk, individual physiology and living characteristics. The time series of PCB intakes for the whole period from the beginning of PCB production in 1958 until 2011 were reconstructed. We estimated the individual lifetime exposure of mothers for all iPCBs, i.e. congeners 28, 52, 101, 118, 138, 153 and 180, using a physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model. Various model scenarios were investigated to determine the influence of physiology, age at delivery, past dietary exposure, and food composition on concentrations in breast milk for all iPCBs. The highest contributions to the presence of iPCBs in breast milk were observed for food composition. The main factor determining the concentration of higher-chlorinated PCBs (138, 153 and 180) was past exposure. The most important parameter for identification of children's postnatal exposure through breast milk was the time-span from the maximum of the exposure peak to the birth of the child. The current concentrations of iPCBs in breast milk in the Czech population are still high because the maximum of the exposure peak occurred more than 10 years later than in other European countries and was very broad, e.g. covered more than 10 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiří Komprda
- RECETOX-Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment, Masaryk University, Faculty of Science, Kamenice 753/5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Klára Komprdová
- RECETOX-Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment, Masaryk University, Faculty of Science, Kamenice 753/5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Elena Domínguez-Romero
- RECETOX-Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment, Masaryk University, Faculty of Science, Kamenice 753/5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Ondřej Mikeš
- RECETOX-Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment, Masaryk University, Faculty of Science, Kamenice 753/5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Katarína Řiháčková
- RECETOX-Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment, Masaryk University, Faculty of Science, Kamenice 753/5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Čupr
- RECETOX-Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment, Masaryk University, Faculty of Science, Kamenice 753/5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Milena Černá
- National Institute of Public Health, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Scheringer
- RECETOX-Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment, Masaryk University, Faculty of Science, Kamenice 753/5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
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Almeida Lopes ACBD, Martins AC, Urbano MR, Buzzo ML, Camargo AEI, Peixe TS, Aschner M, Barbosa F, Silva AMR, Paoliello MMB. Blood reference values for metals in a general adult population in southern Brazil. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 177:108646. [PMID: 31446091 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.108646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Revised: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Carolina Bertin de Almeida Lopes
- Graduate Program in Public Health, Center of Health Sciences, State University of Londrina, 60 Robert Koch Avenue, CEP 86038-350 Londrina, PR, Brazil.
| | - Airton Cunha Martins
- Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirao Preto, University of São Paulo, Avenida do Café s/n°, CEP 14040-903, Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil; Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, 10461, Bronx, New York, USA.
| | - Mariana Ragassi Urbano
- Department of Statistics, State University of Londrina, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid, Km 380, s/no, Campus Universitário, CEP 86057-970 Londrina, PR, Brazil.
| | - Marcia Liane Buzzo
- Inorganic Contaminants Department, Adolfo Lutz Institute, Sao Paulo, Avenida Doutor Arnaldo, 355, CEP 01246-000, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Alissana Ester Iakmiu Camargo
- Center of Health Sciences, Pitagoras Unopar University, Avenida Paris, 675, Jardim Piza, CEP 86083-070 Londrina, PR, Brazil.
| | - Tiago Severo Peixe
- Department of Pathology, Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Center of Health Science, State University of Londrina, 60 Robert Koch Avenue, CEP 86038-350 Londrina, PR, Brazil.
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, 10461, Bronx, New York, USA.
| | - Fernando Barbosa
- Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirao Preto, University of São Paulo, Avenida do Café s/n°, CEP 14040-903, Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Ana Maria Rigo Silva
- Graduate Program in Public Health, Center of Health Sciences, State University of Londrina, 60 Robert Koch Avenue, CEP 86038-350 Londrina, PR, Brazil.
| | - Monica Maria Bastos Paoliello
- Graduate Program in Public Health, Center of Health Sciences, State University of Londrina, 60 Robert Koch Avenue, CEP 86038-350 Londrina, PR, Brazil; Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, 10461, Bronx, New York, USA.
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Pajewska-Szmyt M, Sinkiewicz-Darol E, Bernatowicz-Łojko U, Kowalkowski T, Gadzała-Kopciuch R, Buszewski B. QuEChERS extraction coupled to GC-MS for a fast determination of polychlorinated biphenyls in breast milk from Polish women. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 26:30988-30999. [PMID: 31452126 PMCID: PMC6828831 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-06201-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in breast milk has been determined. Therefore, it was necessary to develop and adapt an analytical method to analyze PCB compounds. The whole procedure was applied to 31 breast milk samples, which were collected from Polish mothers. The QuEChERS method was optimized as a fast and cheap sample preparation method. The procedure allowed us to obtain recovery values between 96.46% and 119.98% with acceptable relative standard deviations (3.36-12.71%). Gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used for final determination. The method was validated using parameters such as linearity, limit of detection and quantification, intra-day precision, and reproducibility. The mean concentration of ∑iPCBs in this study was 30.94 ng/g of lipid. Assigned daily intake of PCBs was lower than the tolerable daily intake, which shows that the analyzed milk is safe to the infants. However, the monitoring of PCBs in milk is still important, and the QuEChERS method with GC-MS can be an effective tool for tracking organic impurities in breast milk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martyna Pajewska-Szmyt
- Department of Environmental Chemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Chemistry, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, 7 Gagarin St., 87-100 Toruń, Poland
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Modern Technologies, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 4 Wileńska St., 87-100 Toruń, Poland
| | - Elena Sinkiewicz-Darol
- Ludwik Rydygier Provincial Polyclinic Hospital in Toruń, Human Milk Bank, Św. Józefa 53-59, 87-100 Toruń, Poland
- Human Milk Bank Foundation, 128J Podkowy St., 04-937 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Urszula Bernatowicz-Łojko
- Ludwik Rydygier Provincial Polyclinic Hospital in Toruń, Human Milk Bank, Św. Józefa 53-59, 87-100 Toruń, Poland
- Human Milk Bank Foundation, 128J Podkowy St., 04-937 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Tomasz Kowalkowski
- Department of Environmental Chemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Chemistry, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, 7 Gagarin St., 87-100 Toruń, Poland
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Modern Technologies, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 4 Wileńska St., 87-100 Toruń, Poland
| | - Renata Gadzała-Kopciuch
- Department of Environmental Chemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Chemistry, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, 7 Gagarin St., 87-100 Toruń, Poland
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Modern Technologies, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 4 Wileńska St., 87-100 Toruń, Poland
| | - Bogusław Buszewski
- Department of Environmental Chemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Chemistry, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, 7 Gagarin St., 87-100 Toruń, Poland
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Modern Technologies, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 4 Wileńska St., 87-100 Toruń, Poland
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Nakhaee S, Amirabadizadeh A, Zarban A, Nasirizade M, Salmani Mood M, Ataei H, Shariatmadari MR, Brent J, Mehrpour O. The reference value of blood lead level among the general adult population of eastern Iran. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART A, TOXIC/HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING 2019; 54:1287-1292. [PMID: 31328627 DOI: 10.1080/10934529.2019.1640580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Revised: 06/23/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study to the estimate the lead concentrations in the blood of the adult population in South Khorasan Province, evaluate factors related to high lead blood concentrations and establish lead reference values (RVs) in our study population. In cross-sectional study, 400 people who lived in the province of South Khorasan in 2017 were selected. Demographic information was collected and clinical examinations were performed. As the geometric means, blood lead concentration (BLC) was expressed, 10th, 50th, 90th, and 95th percentiles, and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of the 95th percentile. The upper limits rounded values of the 95% CI with the 95th percentile were applied to calculate RVs. Mean BLC was 6.02 ± 7.41 µg dL-1, median of BLC was 4.4 µg dL-1 (IQR: 2.9-6.5; range 0.9-54.7 µg dL-1). One hundred and twenty-five (31.2%) participants had BLCs between 5 and 10.0 µg dL-1, 40 (10.0%) between 10 and 20.0 µg dL-1, and 15 (3.8%%) over 20 µg dL-1. The RVs for BLC for men and women were 16 [95% CI: 10.13-15.96] µg dL-1 and 15 [95% CI: 9.81-14.45] µg dL-1, respectively. Higher BLCs were significantly associated with age, gender, hemoglobin, white blood cell count, and serum phosphorus concentration. This bio-monitoring study of BLCs in the general population of South Khorasan Province offers important demographic and lifestyle factors-stratified reference data. It is essential to continue efforts to reduce lead exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samaneh Nakhaee
- Medical Toxicology and Drug Abuse Research Center (MTDRC), Birjand University of Medical Sciences , Birjand , Iran
| | - Alireza Amirabadizadeh
- Medical Toxicology and Drug Abuse Research Center (MTDRC), Birjand University of Medical Sciences , Birjand , Iran
| | - Asghar Zarban
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Birjand University of Medical Sciences , Birjand , Iran
| | - Manizhe Nasirizade
- Medical Toxicology and Drug Abuse Research Center (MTDRC), Birjand University of Medical Sciences , Birjand , Iran
| | - Maryam Salmani Mood
- Medical Toxicology and Drug Abuse Research Center (MTDRC), Birjand University of Medical Sciences , Birjand , Iran
| | - Homeira Ataei
- Medical Toxicology and Drug Abuse Research Center (MTDRC), Birjand University of Medical Sciences , Birjand , Iran
| | | | - Jeffery Brent
- School of medicine, University of Colorado , Aurora , CO , USA
| | - Omid Mehrpour
- Medical Toxicology and Drug Abuse Research Center (MTDRC), Birjand University of Medical Sciences , Birjand , Iran
- Rocky Mountain Poison & Drug Safety (RMPDS) , Denver , CO , USA
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Nakhaee S, Amirabadizadeh A, Nakhaee S, Zardast M, Schimmel J, Ahmadian-Moghadam J, Akbari A, Mohammadian Darmian H, Mohammadi M, Mehrpour O. Blood lead level risk factors and reference value derivation in a cross-sectional study of potentially lead-exposed workers in Iran. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e023867. [PMID: 31270112 PMCID: PMC6609121 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-023867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This exploratory investigation aimed to measure blood lead levels and associated risk factors in exposed workers in Iran, and to derive appropriate reference values for blood lead in this population as a means of epidemiological comparison. DESIGN Cross-sectional. SETTING Manufacturing plants with potential lead exposure in Southern Khorasan Province, Iran. PARTICIPANTS The study included 630 workers, selected through stratified random sampling. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES The primary measures in this exploratory investigation were venous blood lead concentration (BLC) and associated risk factors of age, gender, work experience, cigarette smoking and history of opium use. The secondary measures were symptoms associated with lead toxicity. Data analyses were conducted using Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, one-way analysis of variance, Kruskal-Wallis test, Spearman correlation coefficient and regression analysis. RESULTS Mean and median BLCs were 6.5±8.1 μg/dL and 3.9 μg/dL (IQR: 2.9-5.8), respectively. Of the subjects, 85 (13.5%) had BLC ≥10 μg/dL. The derived reference BLC value in this study was 30 μg/dL for men and 14 μg/dL for women. Increasing work experience and age were associated with BLC >10 μg/dL. Radiator manufacturers were up to 12.9 times (95% CI 4.6 to 35, p<0.005) more likely than painters to have BLC >10 μg/dL. Most subjects reported multiple symptoms. CONCLUSIONS The mean BLC was above the maximum recommended concentration. There was a significant relationship between higher BLC and age or working in a printing factory or radiator manufacturing. These findings can direct efforts towards reducing occupational lead exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sareh Nakhaee
- Medical Toxicology and Drug Abuse Research Center (MTDRC), Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Alireza Amirabadizadeh
- Medical Toxicology and Drug Abuse Research Center (MTDRC), Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Samaneh Nakhaee
- Medical Toxicology and Drug Abuse Research Center (MTDRC), Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Mahmood Zardast
- Medical Toxicology and Drug Abuse Research Center (MTDRC), Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Jonathan Schimmel
- Denver Health, Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Center, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | | | - Ayob Akbari
- Medical Toxicology and Drug Abuse Research Center (MTDRC), Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | | | - Maryam Mohammadi
- Student Research Committee, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Omid Mehrpour
- Medical Toxicology and Drug Abuse Research Center (MTDRC), Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
- Denver Health, Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Center, Denver, Colorado, USA
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Snoj Tratnik J, Mazej D, Horvat M. Analytical Quality Requirements in Human Biomonitoring Programs: Trace Elements in Human Blood. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16132287. [PMID: 31261622 PMCID: PMC6651690 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16132287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Revised: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Human biomonitoring (HBM) programs consist of several interrelated and equally important steps. Of these steps, the study design must answer a specific question: How many individuals must be recruited in order to define the spatial or temporal trends of exposure to environmental pollutants in a given HBM study? Two components must be considered at this stage: the population variability of the expected exposure and the performance characteristics of the analytical methods used. The objective of the present study was to quantify the contribution to the required sample size arising from (i) measurement uncertainty and (ii) inter-laboratory measurement variability. For this purpose, the sample size was calculated using the measurement uncertainty of one laboratory, inter-laboratory comparison exercise data, and population variability for commonly studied metals (mercury, cadmium, and lead) in blood. Measurement uncertainty within one laboratory proved to have little influence on the sample size requirements, while the inter-laboratory variability of the three metals increased the requirements considerably, particularly in cases of low population variability. The multiple laboratories approach requires that laboratory variability be considered as early as the planning stage; a single-laboratory approach is thus a cost-effective compromise in HBM to reduce variability due to the participation of different laboratories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janja Snoj Tratnik
- 'Jožef Stefan' Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences, Jamova cesta 39, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
- 'Jožef Stefan' International Postgraduate School, Jamova cesta 39, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Darja Mazej
- 'Jožef Stefan' Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences, Jamova cesta 39, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Milena Horvat
- 'Jožef Stefan' Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences, Jamova cesta 39, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- 'Jožef Stefan' International Postgraduate School, Jamova cesta 39, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Rahman Z, Singh VP. The relative impact of toxic heavy metals (THMs) (arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr)(VI), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb)) on the total environment: an overview. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2019; 191:419. [PMID: 31177337 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-019-7528-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 421] [Impact Index Per Article: 84.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Certain five heavy metals viz. arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr)(VI), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb) are non-threshold toxins and can exert toxic effects at very low concentrations. These heavy metals are known as most problematic heavy metals and as toxic heavy metals (THMs). Several industrial activities and some natural processes are responsible for their high contamination in the environment. In recent years, high concentrations of heavy metals in different natural systems including atmosphere, pedosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere have become a global issue. These THMs have severe deteriorating effects on various microorganisms, plants, and animals. Human exposure to the THMs may evoke serious health injuries and impairments in the body, and even certain extremities can cause death. In all these perspectives, this review provides a comprehensive account of the relative impact of the THMs As, Cd, Cr(VI), Hg, and Pb on our total environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeeshanur Rahman
- Department of Botany, Zakir Husain Delhi College, University of Delhi, Delhi, 110002, India.
| | - Ved Pal Singh
- Department of Botany, University of Delhi, Delhi, 110007, India
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Zeng HL, Li H, Lu J, Guan Q, Cheng L. Assessment of 12 Metals and Metalloids in Blood of General Populations Living in Wuhan of China by ICP-MS. Biol Trace Elem Res 2019; 189:344-353. [PMID: 30140990 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-018-1486-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 08/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Assessment of trace element levels in general population from the specific area is of importance for nutritional and occupational monitoring. In the current study, baseline blood levels of 12 toxic and/or essential metals and metalloids, including arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), chromium (Cr), thallium (Tl), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), and magnesium (Mg), in general populations (n = 477) of Wuhan in central China were investigated by using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The geometric means for As, Cd, Pb, Hg, Cr, Tl, Mn, and Cu were measured as 2.25, 0.70, 17.84, 1.90, 0.36, < 0.05, 12.40, and 783.76 μg/L, respectively. The geometric means for Zn, Ca, Fe, and Mg were 5.85, 56.66, 488.98, and 39.44 mg/L, respectively. We found the men had higher blood As, Pb, Hg, Zn, Fe, and Mg levels but had lower blood Cu and Ca levels than the women (p < 0.05). Age-related difference were found for blood Cu, Zn, Ca, Mg, Pb, Mn, As, Cd, and Hg levels (p < 0.05). Moreover, many metal concentrations were found correlated, with the strongest correlations between the pairs Fe-Mg (r = 0.57), Fe-Zn (r = 0.42), As-Hg (r = 0.46), Ca-Cu (r = 0.34), Pb-Hg (r = 0.36), Pb-Cd (r = 0.31), Pb-As (r = 0.25), and Ca-Fe (r = - 0.23). Compared with reports from other countries, most of our results were consistent, except that As Pb, Hg, Mn, and Cu showed different blood levels with European, Korea, or Beijing areas. Our study would be of importance for nutritional, environmental, and/or occupational monitoring of these metals in human.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao-Long Zeng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China.
| | - Huijun Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Lu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing Guan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Liming Cheng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China.
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Results of the first national human biomonitoring in Slovenia: Trace elements in men and lactating women, predictors of exposure and reference values. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2019; 222:563-582. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2019.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2018] [Revised: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Sharma BM, Sáňka O, Kalina J, Scheringer M. An overview of worldwide and regional time trends in total mercury levels in human blood and breast milk from 1966 to 2015 and their associations with health effects. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2019; 125:300-319. [PMID: 30735961 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2018.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Revised: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 12/08/2018] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mercury is a pollutant of global concern. To protect human health and environment from mercury pollution, the Minamata Convention on mercury entered into force in 2017. OBJECTIVES To support a future effectiveness evaluation of the convention, this study assesses worldwide and regional time trends of total mercury levels in human blood and breast milk across different population sub-groups in the last half-century prior to entry-into-force of the Minamata Convention. This study also provides an overview of the epidemiological literature showing evidence of associations between mercury exposure (in terms of total mercury levels in whole blood, cord blood, and breast milk) and human health. METHODS We searched electronic databases to identify articles published prior to June 14, 2017 and reported total mercury levels in any of three biological matrices (whole blood, cord blood, or breast milk) and/or associations with human health. Temporal trends of total mercury levels in the selected biological matrices across different population sub-groups were estimated using a linear fit of the log-transformed data. In parallel, statistical methods were employed to assess any possible effect of sources of inhomogeneity (i.e. study and population characteristics such as age, sex, ethnicity, source of exposure, sampling period, and geographical region) in the collected studies. Furthermore, a summary of significant and relevant associations between mercury exposure and human health conditions in children and adults was prepared. FINDINGS We found significant declines in total mercury levels in whole blood, cord blood, and breast milk between 1966 and 2015. A regional overview of total mercury levels in whole blood, cord blood, and breast milk suggests the highest levels in South America, followed by Africa or Asia whereas the population groups from Europe or North America displayed the lowest levels of total mercury in the selected biological matrices. We observed conclusive consistent associations of mercury exposure with selected health conditions, especially neurodevelopment and neurotoxicity in children and adults. For several other health conditions, reported findings in the collected studies do not support conclusive associations. We also found that several studies demonstrated significant associations between mercury exposure below the USEPA reference level and various health conditions. CONCLUSIONS This study provides a worldwide and regional overview of trends in total mercury levels in human blood and breast milk and associated health risks prior to entry-into-force of the Minamata Convention and calls for further epidemiological investigations from across the globe to fully understand the health implications of mercury exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brij Mohan Sharma
- Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment (RECETOX), Masaryk University, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Ondřej Sáňka
- Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment (RECETOX), Masaryk University, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Kalina
- Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment (RECETOX), Masaryk University, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Scheringer
- Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment (RECETOX), Masaryk University, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic; Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics, ETH Zürich, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
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Stojsavljević A, Borković-Mitić S, Vujotić L, Grujičić D, Gavrović-Jankulović M, Manojlović D. The human biomonitoring study in Serbia: Background levels for arsenic, cadmium, lead, thorium and uranium in the whole blood of adult Serbian population. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2019; 169:402-409. [PMID: 30469025 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2018.11.043] [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: 08/17/2018] [Revised: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/10/2018] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to establish reference values (RVs) for the occupationally- and environmentally-important toxic elements in the whole blood of adult Serbian population for the first time. Contaminated drinking water with arsenic, high share of smokers in the country, removing tetraethyl lead from the gasoline and war attack at the end of the twentieth century were some of the reasons to provide background information for arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), thorium (Th), and uranium (U) in the blood of the Serbian population. The whole blood samples were collected from the healthy respondents living in the Belgrade and surrounding areas of the capital (n = 305; w/m ratio = 154/151; mean age: 41 ± 2). The concentrations of toxic metals were determined by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Reference values were estimated as the lower limit (LL) and upper limit (UL) of the 95% confidence interval (CI), together with the selected percentiles (P2.5-P97.5). The obtained geometric mean (GM) for As, Cd, Pb, Th, and U were: 0.50 ng/g, 0.32 ng/g, 20.94 ng/g, 0.30 ng/g, and 0.06 ng/g, respectively. The influences of age, sex and lifestyle on results were considered. Women have significantly higher levels of Cd and Th than men. The increased level of Th was observed in the aged group below 40 years, while smokers had significantly higher levels of Pb and double higher level of Cd in the blood than non-smokers (p < 0.05). In comparison with other population groups worldwide, the Serbian population had significantly higher levels of Th and U (up to 100 times higher). These findings could contribute to better understanding of the molecular basis for the development of various health hazards, including the increased incidence of cancer among the Serbian population which need be confirmed by clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Slavica Borković-Mitić
- Department of Physiology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", University of Belgrade, Bulevar despota Stefana 142, Belgrade 11060, Serbia
| | - Ljiljana Vujotić
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotića 8, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; Clinical Center of Serbia, Neurosurgery Division, Dr Koste Torodorića 4, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Danica Grujičić
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotića 8, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; Clinical Center of Serbia, Neurosurgery Division, Dr Koste Torodorića 4, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Dragan Manojlović
- University of Belgrade - Faculty of Chemistry, Studentski trg 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; South Ural State University, Lenin prospect 76, 454080 Chelyabinsk, Russia
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Biomonitoring of metals and trace elements in urine of central Ethiopian populations. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2019; 222:410-418. [PMID: 30612877 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2018.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Revised: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Biomonitoring of chemical concentrations in humans is important for detecting, monitoring, and addressing a wide range of health threats. However, it is virtually absent across many African nations, including Ethiopia. This study aims to determine urinary concentrations for metals and trace elements in populations living in the central Ethiopian Rift Valley. The region is unindustralized, rural, and characterized by unique geologic rifting and volcanic activities that have produced vast pyroclastic materials, forming its aquifer and fertile agricultural soils. Millions of people in the region rely on wells for drinking water and are engaged in cereal-based subsistence agriculture. We enrolled a total of 386 residents aged 10-50 years old (201 females and 185 males). The levels of 23 elements except F─ were quantified in water and urine samples by ICP-MS. Mean concentrations of B, F─, Ca, and Mg were measured in mg/L levels, while concentrations of Mo, Zn, Sr, Rb, and Li ranged between 100 and 700 μg/L. Mean concentrations between 5 and 15 μg/L were found for Ni, Cu, and Mn, while Ag, Be, Cd, Co, Pb, Sb, Th, TI, and U were all below 5 μg/L. Arsenic and Al had mean concentrations between 30 and 50 μg/L. Mean urinary concentrations of Ca, Cu, Mg, Pb, Sr, and Zn were significantly higher in males than females, whereas Co and Mn were higher in females. Finally, younger individuals (10-30 years) had significantly higher mean concentrations of B, Cd, Co, Mg, Mo, and Pb than those between 31 and 50 years, whereas only Ca was higher in the older age group. The concentration ranges of B, Mo, Mn, TI, Li, Zn, and in particular F─ (0.44-44.6 mg/L) and As (2.2-164 μg/L) in urine were higher than the reference ranges reported in healthy unexposed North American and European populations, while those for the remaining 16 elements were comparable to published reference ranges from such settings. The established concentration ranges are important to monitor future changes in exposure, and risk factors for disease, that might stem from the economic growth and industrialization that is currently underway in the region.
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Urinary levels of metal elements in the non-smoking general population in Italy: SIVR study 2012-2015. Toxicol Lett 2018; 298:177-185. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2018.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2018] [Revised: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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