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Lozano M, McEachan RRC, Wright J, Yang TC, Dow C, Kadawathagedara M, Lepeule J, Bustamante M, Maitre L, Vrijheid M, Brantsæter AL, Meltzer HM, Bempi V, Roumeliotaki T, Thomsen C, Nawrot T, Broberg K, Llop S. Early life exposure to mercury and relationships with telomere length and mitochondrial DNA content in European children. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 932:173014. [PMID: 38729362 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173014] [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: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telomere length (TL) and mitochondrial function expressed as mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn) are biomarkers of aging and oxidative stress and inflammation, respectively. Methylmercury (MeHg), a common pollutant in fish, induces oxidative stress. We hypothesized that elevated oxidative stress from exposure to MeHg decreases mtDNAcn and shortens TL. METHODS Study participants are 6-11-year-old children from the HELIX multi-center birth cohort study, comprising six European countries. Prenatal and postnatal total mercury (THg) concentrations were measured in blood samples, TL and mtDNAcn were determined in child DNA. Covariates and confounders were obtained by questionnaires. Robust regression models were run, considering sociodemographic and lifestyle covariates, as well as fish consumption. Sex, ethnicity, and fish consumption interaction models were also run. RESULTS We found longer TL with higher pre- and postnatal THg blood concentrations, even at low-level THg exposure according to the RfD proposed by the US EPA. The prenatal association showed a significant linear relationship with a 3.46 % increase in TL for each unit increased THg. The postnatal association followed an inverted U-shaped marginal non-linear relationship with 1.38 % an increase in TL for each unit increased THg until reaching a cut-point at 0.96 μg/L blood THg, from which TL attrition was observed. Higher pre- and postnatal blood THg concentrations were consistently related to longer TL among cohorts and no modification effect of fish consumption nor children's sex was observed. No association between THg exposure and mtDNAcn was found. DISCUSSION We found evidence that THg is associated with TL but the associations seem to be time- and concentration-dependent. Further studies are needed to clarify the mechanism behind the telomere changes of THg and related health effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Lozano
- Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain; Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Food Sciences, Toxicology and Forensic Medicine Department, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Rosemary R C McEachan
- Bradford Institute for Health Research, Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Bradford, United Kingdom
| | - John Wright
- Bradford Institute for Health Research, Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Bradford, United Kingdom
| | - Tiffany C Yang
- Bradford Institute for Health Research, Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Bradford, United Kingdom
| | - Courtney Dow
- Université Paris Cité and Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, INSERM, INRAE, CRESS, Paris, France
| | - Manik Kadawathagedara
- Université Paris Cité and Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, INSERM, INRAE, CRESS, Paris, France
| | - Johanna Lepeule
- Université Grenoble Alpes, INSERM, CNRS, Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), Grenoble, France
| | - Mariona Bustamante
- ISGlobal, Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF); Barcelona, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Lea Maitre
- ISGlobal, Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF); Barcelona, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Martine Vrijheid
- ISGlobal, Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF); Barcelona, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Anne Lise Brantsæter
- Division of Climate and Environmental Health and Centre for Sustainable Diets, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Helle Margrete Meltzer
- Division of Climate and Environmental Health and Centre for Sustainable Diets, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Vasiliki Bempi
- Department of Social Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Theano Roumeliotaki
- Department of Social Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Cathrine Thomsen
- Department of Food Safety, Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH), Oslo, Norway
| | - Tim Nawrot
- Research Unit Environment and Health, KU Leuven Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Karin Broberg
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden; Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sabrina Llop
- Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
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Vejrup K, Brantsæter AL, Caspersen IH, Haug LS, Villanger GD, Aase H, Knutsen HK. Mercury exposure in the Norwegian Mother, Father, and Child Cohort Study - measured and predicted blood concentrations and associations with birth weight. Heliyon 2024; 10:e30246. [PMID: 38726118 PMCID: PMC11078626 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Blood total mercury concentration (BTHg) predominantly contains methyl Hg from seafood, and less inorganic Hg. Measured BTHg is often available only in a small proportion of large cohort study samples. Associations between estimated dietary intake of total Hg (THg) and lower birth weight within strata of maternal seafood intake was previously reported in the Norwegian Mother, Father, and Child Cohort Study (MoBa). However, maternal seafood consumption was associated with increased birth weight, indicating negative confounding by seafood in the association between THg intake and birth weight. Using predicted BTHg as a proxy for measured BTHg, we hypothesized that predicted BTHg would be associated with decreased birth weight. Objectives To develop and validate a prediction model for BTHg in MoBa and to examine the association between predicted BTHg and birth weight in the MoBa population. Methods Using linear regression, measured maternal BTHg (n = 1437) was used to build the best fitting model (highest R-squared value). Model validation (n = 1436) was based on correlation and weighted Kappa (Кw). Associations between predicted BTHg in the MoBa population (n = 86,775) or measured BTHg (n = 3590) and birth weight were assessed by multivariate linear regression models. Results The best fitting model had R-squared = 0.3 and showed strong correlation (r = 0.53, p < 0.001) between predicted and measured BTHg. Cross-classification (quintiles) showed 73 % correctly classified and 3.3 % grossly misclassified, with Кw of 0.37. Measured BTHg was not associated with birth weight. Predicted BTHg was significantly associated with higher birth weight. There were no trends in birth weight with increasing quintiles of measured or predicted BTHg after stratification into high or low seafood consumption. Conclusions The results indicate that prediction of BTHg did not overcome negative confounding of the association between Hg exposure and birth weight by seafood intake. Furthermore, effect on birth weight of toxicological concern is unexpected in our observed BTHg range.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristine Vejrup
- Institute of Military Epidemiology, Norwegian Armed Forces Joint Medical Serviced, Norway
| | - Anne Lise Brantsæter
- Department of Food Safety and Centre for Sustainable Diets, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Norway
| | - Ida H. Caspersen
- Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Norway
| | - Line S. Haug
- Department of Food Safety and Centre for Sustainable Diets, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Norway
| | - Gro D. Villanger
- Department of Child Health and Development, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Norway
| | - Heidi Aase
- Department of Child Health and Development, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Norway
| | - Helle K. Knutsen
- Department of Food Safety and Centre for Sustainable Diets, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Norway
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Wesolowska M, Yeates AJ, McSorley EM, Watson GE, van Wijngaarden E, Bodin N, Govinden R, Jean-Baptiste J, Desnousse S, Shamlaye CF, Myers GJ, Strain JJ, Mulhern MS. Dietary selenium and mercury intakes from fish consumption during pregnancy: Seychelles Child Development Study Nutrition Cohort 2. Neurotoxicology 2024; 101:1-5. [PMID: 38135192 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2023.12.012] [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: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Some health agencies have issued precautionary principle fish advisories to pregnant women based on the presence of methylmercury (MeHg) in fish that could possibly be harmful to the developing fetus. Fish, however, is a rich source of selenium (Se) and other nutrients essential for normal brain development. Selenium is also thought to have a key role in alleviating MeHg toxicity. We estimated the dietary Se and MeHg intakes and dietary Se:Hg molar ratios from the fish consumed in a high fish-eating pregnant cohort where no adverse associations of fish consumption and outcomes has been reported. We used dietary data collected as part of the Seychelles Child Development Study Nutrition Cohort 2 (n = 1419). In this cohort 98% of participants consumed fish, with an average intake of 106.2 g per day. Daily Se intakes from fish consumption were 61.6 µg/ d, within the range recommended during pregnancy. The mean dietary Se:Hg molar ratios was 6. These findings demonstrate that fish consumption exposes pregnant Seychellois women to Se in excess of MeHg. Based on these findings, fish consumption, especially fish with Se:Hg ratios above 1, may help pregnant women achieve optimum dietary Se intakes, which may protect against MeHg toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Wesolowska
- Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health, Ulster University, Coleraine BT52 1SA, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Alison J Yeates
- Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health, Ulster University, Coleraine BT52 1SA, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Emeir M McSorley
- Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health, Ulster University, Coleraine BT52 1SA, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Gene E Watson
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, New York, United States
| | | | - Nathalie Bodin
- Seychelles Fishing Authority (SFA), Fishing Port, Victoria, Mahé, Republic of Seychelles
| | - Rodney Govinden
- Seychelles Fishing Authority (SFA), Fishing Port, Victoria, Mahé, Republic of Seychelles
| | - Juddy Jean-Baptiste
- Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health, Ulster University, Coleraine BT52 1SA, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; The Ministry of Health, Mahé, Republic of Seychelles
| | | | | | - Gary J Myers
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, New York, United States
| | - J J Strain
- Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health, Ulster University, Coleraine BT52 1SA, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Maria S Mulhern
- Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health, Ulster University, Coleraine BT52 1SA, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
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Capodiferro M, Marco E, Grimalt JO. Wild fish and seafood species in the western Mediterranean Sea with low safe mercury concentrations. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 314:120274. [PMID: 36167168 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120274] [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: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
A total of 1345 specimens belonging to 58 different species of wild fish and seafood from the western Mediterranean Sea were analyzed to assess total mercury levels and to estimate which species meet the EU recommendations for human consumption (0.5 μg g-1 ww) in all cases. All fish species were caught off the Mediterranean coasts and intended for human consumption. All specimens were collected from local markets located in Spain, Italy and France that sell fish caught by local fishermen (Eivissa, Menorca, Mallorca, Alacant, L'Ampolla, Ametlla de Mar, Marseille, Genoa, Civitavecchia, Alghero) at different time periods. Mercury concentrations were measured by thermal decomposition-gold amalgamator-atomic absorption spectrometry. Only thirteen species were found that did not exceed 0.5 μg g-1 ww in any specimen analyzed. These safe species were sardines (Sardina pilchardus), anchovies (Engraulis encrasicolus), blue whiting (Micromesistius poutassou), picarel (Spicara smaris), blackspot seabream (Pagellus bogaraveo), gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata), pearly razorfish (Xyrichtys novacula), surmullet (Mullus surmuletus), painted comber (Serranus scriba), brown meagre (Sciaena umbra), salema (Sarpa salpa), common dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus) and squid (Loligo vulgaris). These species occupy different trophic levels, have different lengths and average weights, but show a low mercury concentration than others living in the same environments. Potential human consumption of these species as sole source of fish would imply estimated weekly intakes representing between 49% and 70% of the recommended provisional tolerable weekly intake of methylmercury in the worst case. Health authorities should pay specific attention to species that do not meet EU thresholds and make appropriate precautionary health recommendations, especially for pregnant women and children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Capodiferro
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), Jordi Girona, 18, 08034, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Esther Marco
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), Jordi Girona, 18, 08034, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Joan O Grimalt
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), Jordi Girona, 18, 08034, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
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Vejrup K, Brantsæter AL, Meltzer HM, Mohebbi M, Knutsen HK, Alexander J, Haugen M, Jacka F. Prenatal mercury exposure, fish intake and child emotional behavioural regulation in the Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study. BMJ Nutr Prev Health 2022; 5:313-320. [PMID: 36619316 PMCID: PMC9813626 DOI: 10.1136/bmjnph-2021-000412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective While maternal fish consumption in pregnancy has consistently been linked to better cognitive and emotional outcomes in children, fish is also a primary source of exposure to methyl mercury (MeHg), which has been linked to poorer child cognitive outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the associations between MeHg exposure, using calculated MeHg exposure from maternal diet and total mercury (Hg) concentration in maternal blood during pregnancy, and child internalising and externalising behaviours at 3 and 5 years of age. Design and participants The study sample comprised 51 238 mother-child pairs in the Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study. Data on maternal blood Hg concentration in gestational week 18 were available for a sub-sample of 2936 women. Maternal MeHg exposure from diet was calculated from a validated Food Frequency Questionnaire answered in mid-pregnancy. Mothers reported children's emotional behaviour at age 3 and 5 years by questionnaires including twenty items from the Child Behaviour Checklist. Longitudinal associations were examined using generalised estimating equations, adjusted for potential confounders and stratified by maternal fish intake. Results Maternal blood Hg concentration (median=1.02 µg/L, 90th percentile=2.22, range=0-13.8) was not associated with emotional behaviour in children. Increasing dietary MeHg intake (median 0.15 µg/kg body weight/week, 90th percentiles=0.31, range=0-1.86) was significantly associated with lower internalising β=-0.03 (95% CI -0.05 to -0.00) and externalising child behaviours β=-0.04 (95% CI -0.07 to -0.02) in adjusted models. The inverse associations were also apparent when stratifying by low/high maternal fish intake (<400 and ≥400 g/week). Conclusions The results indicated that prenatal MeHg exposure, well below the weekly tolerable intake established by European Food Safety Authority (1.3 µg/kg bw), did not adversely affect child emotional regulation. Children of mothers consuming fish regularly were less likely to show signs of emotional behavioural problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristine Vejrup
- Center for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway,Institute of Military Epidemiology, Norwegian Armed Forces Joint Medical Services, Ullensaker, Norway
| | - Anne-Lise Brantsæter
- Division of Climate and Environmental Health, Department of Food Safety, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Helle Margrete Meltzer
- Division of Climate and Environmental Health, Department of Food Safety, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Mohammadreza Mohebbi
- Biostatistics Unit, Deakin University Faculty of Health, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
| | - Helle Katrine Knutsen
- Division of Climate and Environmental Health, Department of Food Safety, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jan Alexander
- Division of Climate and Environmental Health, Department of Food Safety, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Margareta Haugen
- Division of Climate and Environmental Health, Department of Food Safety, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Felice Jacka
- Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, Food & Mood Centre, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia,Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Centre for Adolescent Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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Simić A, Hansen AF, Syversen T, Lierhagen S, Ciesielski TM, Romundstad PR, Midthjell K, Åsvold BO, Flaten TP. Trace elements in whole blood in the general population in Trøndelag County, Norway: The HUNT3 Survey. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 806:150875. [PMID: 34634345 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Biomonitoring of a cohort within a large health survey can provide reliable information on trace element status. The main aims of this study were 1) to determine the concentrations of 28 trace elements in whole blood samples from the general population of the Nord-Trøndelag region, Norway, and 2) to investigate how trace element concentrations vary with geographical area, lifestyle, and socio-demographic factors. METHODS Whole blood samples were collected in the third survey of the Trøndelag Health Survey (HUNT3), a large population-based study in Norway. In total, 1011 whole blood samples from individuals aged 20-91 years were analyzed using high resolution inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (HR-ICP-MS). We compared trace element concentrations (As, B, Be, Br, Ca, Cd, Cr, Cs, Cu, Ga, Au, In, Fe, Pb, Hg, Tl, Mg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Rb, Sc, Se, Ag, Sr, Sn, W and Zn) between three geographical areas (coastal, fjord/town, inland/mountain) using multivariable linear regression and assessed differences in trace element concentrations with socio-demographic and lifestyle factors using general linear models. RESULTS Trace element concentrations were generally comparable to levels reported in other recent studies and suggest low exposure to toxic trace elements in the region. We found geographical differences in concentrations of 19 trace elements. As, Br, Hg, and Se concentrations were higher on the coast compared to the fjord/town and inland/mountain areas, suggesting that the marine environment is an important source of exposure for these trace elements. In addition, socio-demographic and lifestyle characteristics, particularly age and sex, were associated with differences in trace element concentrations. CONCLUSIONS We report concentrations of 28 trace elements in the general population of a rural region with low exposure to pollution. Whole blood concentrations of trace elements varied with geographical area, the participants' lifestyle, and socio-demographic characteristics, highlighting the importance of considering these factors when evaluating trace element status in a population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anica Simić
- Department of Chemistry, NTNU, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Ailin Falkmo Hansen
- Department of Chemistry, NTNU, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway; K.G. Jebsen Center for Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Public Health and Nursing, NTNU, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Tore Syversen
- Department of Neuroscience, NTNU, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Syverin Lierhagen
- Department of Chemistry, NTNU, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | | | - Pål Richard Romundstad
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, NTNU, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Kristian Midthjell
- HUNT Research Center, Department of Public Health and Nursing, NTNU, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Levanger, Norway
| | - Bjørn Olav Åsvold
- Department of Chemistry, NTNU, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway; HUNT Research Center, Department of Public Health and Nursing, NTNU, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Levanger, Norway; Department of Endocrinology, Clinic of Medicine, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Trond Peder Flaten
- Department of Chemistry, NTNU, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
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Wiech M, Djønne C, Kolding J, Kjellevold M, Ferter K. Targeted risk assessment of mercury exposure of recreational fishers: Are nephrops fishers in Norway at risk? ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:50316-50328. [PMID: 33956315 PMCID: PMC8445859 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-14093-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Recreational fishers often consume their catch, which may expose them to environmental contaminants. However, targeted risk assessment for exceeding the tolerable weekly intake (TWI) of a specific contaminant is often lacking, as specific data on the extent of fishing, consumption rates, and contamination of the caught seafood is needed. This study examined recreational fishing for nephrops (Nephrops norvegicus) at several different locations in Western Norway to identify important risk factors. The combination of a field survey to examine actual catches, interviews of recreational fishers about their seafood eating habits, and the analysis of total mercury (Hg, as a proxy for methylmercury (MeHg)) in recreationally captured nephrops allowed to conduct a targeted risk assessment. Recreational fishers consumed on average seven nephrops per meal, and 73% of the fishers ate nephrops once a month or more. The average Hg concentrations in nephrops were below the legal maximum level (100 ± 50 μg/kg wet weight (mean ± SD)). Hg concentrations in female nephrops were significantly higher than in males at the same size, and differed significantly between locations. The recreational fishers in this study were not at risk of exceeding the TWI for MeHg from consuming nephrops only; however, there is a general risk of exceeding TWI for MeHg as 70% of the fishers reported a frequent consumption of fish for dinner. Targeted risk assessments on recreational fishers may reveal particularly vulnerable populations where national dietary surveys may miss the highest seafood consumers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Wiech
- Institute of Marine Research, P.O. Box 1870, Nordnes, NO-5817, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Christine Djønne
- Institute of Marine Research, P.O. Box 1870, Nordnes, NO-5817, Bergen, Norway
| | - Jeppe Kolding
- University of Bergen, P.O. Box 7800, NO-5020, Bergen, Norway
| | - Marian Kjellevold
- Institute of Marine Research, P.O. Box 1870, Nordnes, NO-5817, Bergen, Norway
| | - Keno Ferter
- Institute of Marine Research, P.O. Box 1870, Nordnes, NO-5817, Bergen, Norway
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Øyen J, Brantsæter AL, Nøstbakken OJ, Birkeland KI, Haugen M, Madsen L, Egeland GM. Intakes of Fish and Long-chain n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Supplements During Pregnancy and Subsequent Risk of Type 2 Diabetes in a Large Prospective Cohort Study of Norwegian Women. Diabetes Care 2021; 44:dc210447. [PMID: 34407960 PMCID: PMC8740945 DOI: 10.2337/dc21-0447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate associations between intakes of total fish, lean fish, fatty fish, and long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCn-3PUFA) supplements and risk of type 2 diabetes in women after pregnancy. Furthermore, we sought to compare the estimated intakes of methylmercury (MeHg) and sum of dioxins and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dl-PCBs) with tolerable weekly intakes (TWI). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Women free of diabetes at baseline (n = 60,831) who participated in the population-based Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study (MoBa) were prospectively evaluated for incident type 2 diabetes, identified on the basis of medication usage >90 days after delivery, ascertained through the Norwegian Prescription Database. Dietary intake data were obtained with a validated 255-item food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ), which assessed habitual diet during the first 4-5 months of pregnancy. Intakes of MeHg and sum of dioxins and dl-PCBs were derived with use of a contaminant database and the FFQ. RESULTS Median age was 31 years (interquartile range 27, 34) at time of delivery, and follow-up time was 7.5 years (6.5, 8.5). Type 2 diabetes occurred in 683 (1.1%) participants. Multivariable Cox regression analyses identified lower risk of type 2 diabetes with increasing energy-adjusted lean fish intake, 25 g/1,000 kcal (25 g/1,000 kcal: hazard ratio 0.71, 95% CI 0.53-0.95, P = 0.022). However, in stratified analyses, a lower risk was found only in women with prepregnancy BMI ≥25 kg/m2. There were no associations between intake of total fish, fatty fish, or LCn-3PUFA supplements and type 2 diabetes. MeHg intake was low, but the intake of the sum of dioxins and dl-PCBs (picograms of toxic equivalents/kilograms of body weight/week) exceeded the TWI set by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) for the majority of participants. CONCLUSIONS Intake of lean fish, but not fatty fish or LCn-3PUFA supplements, was associated with lower risk of pharmacologically treated type 2 diabetes in Norwegian women who were overweight or obese. Fatty fish, which contain dioxins and dl-PCBs, did not increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, but the exceedance of the EFSA TWI for dioxins and dl-PCBs is a health concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jannike Øyen
- Seafood and Nutrition, Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway
| | - Anne Lise Brantsæter
- Department of Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Kåre I Birkeland
- Department of Transplantation Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, and Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Margareta Haugen
- Department of Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lise Madsen
- Seafood and Nutrition, Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Grace M Egeland
- Division of Health Data and Digitalisation, Department of Health Registry Research and Development, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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9
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Melnyk LJ, Lin J, Kusnierz DH, Pugh K, Durant JT, Suarez-Soto RJ, Venkatapathy R, Sundaravadivelu D, Morris A, Lazorchak JM, Perlman G, Stover MA. Risks from mercury in anadromous fish collected from Penobscot River, Maine. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 781:146691. [PMID: 34594059 PMCID: PMC8478149 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Levels of total mercury were measured in tissue of six species of migratory fish (alewife, American shad, blueback herring, rainbow smelt, striped bass, and sea lamprey), and in roe of American shad for two consecutive years collected from the Penobscot River or its estuary. The resultant mercury levels were compared to reference doses as established in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Integrated Risk Information System and wildlife values. Mercury concentrations ranged from 4 μg/kg ww in roe to 1040 μg/kg ww in sea lamprey. Sea lamprey contained the highest amounts of mercury for both seasons of sampling. Current health advisories are set at sufficient levels to protect fishers from harmful consumption of the fish for mercury alone, except for sea lamprey. Based upon published wildlife values for mink, otter, and eagle, consumption of rainbow smelt, striped bass, or sea lamprey poses a risk to mink; striped bass and sea lamprey to otter; and sea lamprey to eagle. For future consideration, the resultant data may serve as a reference point for both human health and wildlife risk assessments for the consumption of anadromous fish. U.S. EPA works with federally recognized Tribes across the nation greatly impacted by restrictions on sustenance fishing, to develop culturally sensitive risk assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Jo Melnyk
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of Research and Development, 26 W. Martin Luther King Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45268, United States of America
- Corresponding author at: Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, U.S. EPA, 26 West Martin Luther King Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45268, United States of America. (L.J. Melnyk)
| | - John Lin
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of Research and Development, 26 W. Martin Luther King Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45268, United States of America
| | - Daniel H. Kusnierz
- Penobscot Indian Nation, Department of Natural Resources, 27 Wabanaki Way, Indian Island, ME 04468, United States of America
| | - Katherine Pugh
- EPA, Region 4, 61 Forsyth Street SW, Atlanta, GA 30303, United States of America
| | - James T. Durant
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, 4770 Buford Highway, Atlanta, GA 30341, United States of America
| | - Rene J. Suarez-Soto
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, 4770 Buford Highway, Atlanta, GA 30341, United States of America
| | - Raghuraman Venkatapathy
- Pegasus Technical Services, Inc., 26 W. Martin Luther King Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45268, United States of America
| | - Devi Sundaravadivelu
- Pegasus Technical Services, Inc., 26 W. Martin Luther King Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45268, United States of America
| | - Anthony Morris
- Pegasus Technical Services, Inc., 26 W. Martin Luther King Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45268, United States of America
| | - James M. Lazorchak
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of Research and Development, 26 W. Martin Luther King Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45268, United States of America
| | - Gary Perlman
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, 5 Post Office Square, Suite 1010, Boston, MA 02109, United States of America
| | - Michael A. Stover
- US Public Health Service on detail to EPA, Region 1, 5 Post Office Square, Suite 100, Boston, MA 02109, United States of America
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10
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Mellingen RM, Myrmel LS, Lie KK, Rasinger JD, Madsen L, Nøstbakken OJ. RNA sequencing and proteomic profiling reveal different alterations by dietary methylmercury in the hippocampal transcriptome and proteome in BALB/c mice. Metallomics 2021; 13:mfab022. [PMID: 33890672 PMCID: PMC8716076 DOI: 10.1093/mtomcs/mfab022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) is a highly neurotoxic form of mercury (Hg) present in seafood. Here, we recorded and compared proteomic and transcriptomic changes in hippocampus of male BALB/c mice exposed to two doses of MeHg. Mice were fed diets spiked with 0.28 mg MeHg kg-1, 5 mg MeHg kg-1, or an unspiked control diet for 77 days. Total mercury content was significantly (P < 0.05) increased in brain tissue of both MeHg-exposed groups (18 ± 2 mg Hg kg-1 and 0.56 ± 0.06 mg Hg kg-1). Hippocampal protein and ribonucleic acid (RNA) expression levels were significantly altered both in tissues from mice receiving a low dose MeHg (20 proteins/294 RNA transcripts) and a high dose MeHg (61 proteins/876 RNA transcripts). The majority but not all the differentially expressed features in hippocampus were dose dependent. The combined use of transcriptomic and proteomic profiling data provided insight on the influence of MeHg on neurotoxicity, energy metabolism, and oxidative stress through several regulated features and pathways, including RXR function and superoxide radical degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ragnhild Marie Mellingen
- Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | | | | | | | - Lise Madsen
- Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, København, Denmark
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11
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Butts CD, Bloom MS, McGough A, Lenhart N, Wong R, Mok-Lin E, Parsons PJ, Galusha AL, Yucel RM, Feingold BJ, Browne RW, Fujimoto VY. Seafood consumption is associated with higher follicular fluid arsenic (As) and mercury (Hg) concentrations in women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 188:109753. [PMID: 32554271 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Human exposure to non-essential toxic metals such as cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb), and metalloids such as arsenic (As) commonly occurs through diet. Toxic trace element exposures have been reported in association with fertility and fecundity in epidemiologic studies even at low to moderate levels. While most previous studies employed blood and urine biomarkers of exposure, few have assessed toxic trace elements in ovarian follicular fluid (FF), which surrounds the developing oocyte and hence may better reflect concentrations potentially affecting reproductive outcomes. Our objective was to identify dietary predictors of FF toxic trace elements in n = 56 women (mean age: 38.3 years) undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) at the University of California at San Francisco. We determined As, Hg, Cd, and Pb in 197 FF specimens, collected on the day of oocyte retrieval, using inductively coupled plasma tandem mass spectrometry. A comprehensive food frequency questionnaire was used to assess the weekly and annual dietary "patterns" of participants. Consumption of specific seafood items and turkey were correlated with individual FF toxic trace elements. We also found that each unit higher seafood consumption in the past week dominated by mollusks, shrimp, and bass was associated with 60% higher FF As (95% confidence interval (CI): 25%, 105%) and FF Hg (95%CI: 7%, 136%) concentrations. Higher annual seafood consumption dominated by urchin, crab, and trout was associated with 16% higher FF As (95%CI: -2%, 38%) and 31% higher FF Hg (95%CI: 7%, 60%) concentrations per unit intake. No associations were noted between diet and Cd and Pb levels in FF. Overall, our results suggest that higher seafood consumption contributes to elevated levels of As and Hg in FF. These findings are consistent with previous IVF studies that assessed toxic trace element exposures in blood and urine. To our knowledge, this is the first study to report that diet might be a source of As, Hg, Cd, and Pb in FF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celeste D Butts
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University at Albany, State University of New York, One University Place Rensselaer, NY, 12144, United States
| | - Michael S Bloom
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University at Albany, State University of New York, One University Place Rensselaer, NY, 12144, United States; Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University at Albany, State University of New York, One University Place Rensselaer, NY, 12144, United States.
| | - Alexandra McGough
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94158, United States
| | - Nikolaus Lenhart
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94158, United States
| | - Rebecca Wong
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94158, United States
| | - Evelyn Mok-Lin
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94158, United States
| | - Patrick J Parsons
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University at Albany, State University of New York, One University Place Rensselaer, NY, 12144, United States; Laboratory of Inorganic & Nuclear Chemistry, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY, 12201, United States
| | - Aubrey L Galusha
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University at Albany, State University of New York, One University Place Rensselaer, NY, 12144, United States; Laboratory of Inorganic & Nuclear Chemistry, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY, 12201, United States
| | - Recai M Yucel
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University at Albany, State University of New York, One University Place Rensselaer, NY, 12144, United States
| | - Beth J Feingold
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University at Albany, State University of New York, One University Place Rensselaer, NY, 12144, United States
| | - Richard W Browne
- Department of Biotechnical and Clinical Laboratory Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, 14260, United States
| | - Victor Y Fujimoto
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94158, United States
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12
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Xu Z, Wu S, Christie P, Gao X, Xu J, Xu S, Liang P. Impacts of estuarine dissolved organic matter and suspended particles from fish farming on the biogeochemical cycling of mercury in Zhoushan island, eastern China Sea. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 705:135921. [PMID: 31818602 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.135921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 12/01/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Changes in the biogeochemical cycling of mercury (Hg) and Hg species were investigated in a typical marine aquaculture area located at Zhoushan island, Zhejiang province, east China. Mercury species were analyzed in different environmental samples collected during a field survey and a simulation batch experiment. The field work comprised both summer and winter collection of water and sediment samples from marine aquaculture sites (MAS) in a field survey and from corresponding reference sites (CRS) located 2500 m from the MAS. THg concentrations in water were 91.3 ± 70.3 and 115 ± 22.6 pmol L-1 in summer and winter, respectively. Particulate Hg accounting for ˃60% of THg and positively correlated with total suspended solid content in water. Dissolved organic carbon in water was positively correlated with dissolved Hg. Significantly higher (p < 0.001, F = 102) total methylmercury (TMeHg) contents were observed in MAS (0.31 ± 0.26 ng g-1) than in CRS (0.06 ± 0.03 ng g-1) in the sediment solid phase. Moreover, MeHg formation rate in MAS was clearly higher than in CRS in the simulation experiment. Both the field survey and the simulation experiment highlighted the readier formation of MeHg in MAS than in CRS. TMeHg levels in blackhead seabream (Acanthopagrus schlegelii), red snapper (Lutjanus campechanus) and perch (Perca fluviatilis) were only 52.7 ± 5.74, 23.7 ± 2.51 and 24.3 ± 3.86 ng g-1, values significantly lower than the safety guideline (1000 ng g-1) established by the World Health Organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhentao Xu
- School of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Shengchun Wu
- School of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, Zhejiang Province, China; Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Soil Contamination and Bioremediation, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Peter Christie
- School of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xuefei Gao
- School of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Jialin Xu
- School of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Su Xu
- School of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, Zhejiang Province, China.
| | - Peng Liang
- School of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, Zhejiang Province, China; Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Soil Contamination and Bioremediation, Hangzhou 311300, China.
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13
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Vollset M, Iszatt N, Enger Ø, Gjengedal ELF, Eggesbø M. Concentration of mercury, cadmium, and lead in breast milk from Norwegian mothers: Association with dietary habits, amalgam and other factors. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 677:466-473. [PMID: 31063889 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.04.252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Revised: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) are of great concern for food safety and infants are especially sensitive to exposure to the maternal body burden. We quantified these elements in breast milk from Norwegian mothers and determined their association with dietary habits, maternal amalgam fillings, and smoking. Breast milk (n = 300) from the Norwegian Human Milk Study (HUMIS) was analyzed using triple quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, after an acidic decomposition using microwave technique. We used multiple linear regression to examine predictors of Hg and Cd in breast milk, and logistic regression to test predictors of Pb above the quantification limit. The median breast milk concentrations (minimum - maximum) were 0.20 μg Hg/kg (<0.058-0.89), 0.057 μg Cd/kg (0.017-1.2), and <0.67 μg Pb/kg (<0.2-7.5). Cadmium showed no significant relation with any exposure variable investigated. Lead was associated with intake of liver and kidneys from game. For Hg concentration in breast milk, number of amalgam fillings and high fish consumption were significant predictors (p < 0.001). We detected a significant association (p < 0.01) between Hg in breast milk and maternal consumption of Atlantic halibut, lean fish, mussels and scallops and lifetime consumption of crab. Seafood intake alone explained 10% of variance, while together with amalgam explained 46% of variance in Hg concentration in breast milk. Our findings emphasize the importance of following consumer advice with respect to fish and seafood and points to amalgam as an important source for Hg exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Vollset
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P.O. Box 5003, NO-1432 Aas, Norway.
| | - Nina Iszatt
- Department of Environmental Exposure and Epidemiology, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, P.O. Box 4404, N-0403 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Øyvind Enger
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P.O. Box 5003, NO-1432 Aas, Norway
| | - Elin Lovise Folven Gjengedal
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P.O. Box 5003, NO-1432 Aas, Norway.
| | - Merete Eggesbø
- Department of Environmental Exposure and Epidemiology, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, P.O. Box 4404, N-0403 Oslo, Norway.
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14
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Caspersen IH, Thomsen C, Haug LS, Knutsen HK, Brantsæter AL, Papadopoulou E, Erlund I, Lundh T, Alexander J, Meltzer HM. Patterns and dietary determinants of essential and toxic elements in blood measured in mid-pregnancy: The Norwegian Environmental Biobank. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 671:299-308. [PMID: 30928759 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.03.291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Revised: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inadequate stores or intakes of essential minerals in pregnancy, or too high exposure to both toxic and essential elements, can have adverse effects on mother and child. The main aims of this study were to 1) describe the concentrations and patterns of essential and toxic elements measured in maternal whole blood during pregnancy; 2) identify dietary, lifestyle and sociodemographic determinants of element status; and 3) explore the impact of iron deficiency on blood element concentrations. METHODS This study is based on blood samples collected from 2982 women in gestational week 18 in The Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort study (MoBa) which were analyzed as part of the Norwegian Environmental Biobank. We derived blood element patterns by exploratory factor analysis, and associations between blood element patterns and diet were explored using sparse partial least squares (sPLS) regression. RESULTS Blood concentrations were determined for the essential elements (in the order of most abundant) Zn > Cu > Se > Mn > Mo > Co, and the toxic metals Pb > As > Hg > Cd > Tl. The concentrations were in ranges that were similar to or sometimes more favorable than in other pregnant and non-pregnant European women. We identified two blood element patterns; one including Zn, Se and Mn and another including Hg and As. For the Zn-Se-Mn pattern, use of multimineral supplements was the most important dietary determinant, while a high score in the Hg-As pattern was mainly determined by seafood consumption. Concentrations of Mn, Cd and Co were significantly higher in women with iron deficiency (plasma ferritin < 12 μg/L) than in women with plasma ferritin ≥ 12 μg/L. CONCLUSION Our study illustrates complex relationships and coexistence of essential and toxic elements. Their potential interplay adds to the challenges of studies investigating health effects related to either diet or toxicants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ida Henriette Caspersen
- Division of Infection Control and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Cathrine Thomsen
- Division of Infection Control and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Line Småstuen Haug
- Division of Infection Control and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Helle K Knutsen
- Division of Infection Control and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anne Lise Brantsæter
- Division of Infection Control and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Eleni Papadopoulou
- Division of Infection Control and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Iris Erlund
- Genomics and Biomarkers Unit, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Thomas Lundh
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Institution of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Jan Alexander
- Division of Infection Control and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Helle Margrete Meltzer
- Division of Infection Control and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
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15
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Yoo BW, Kim B, Joshi P, Kwon SO, Kim Y, Oh JS, Kim J, Oh SY, Lim JA, Choi BS, Kim YM, Eom SY, Hong YS, Sohn SJ, Park KS, Pyo H, Kim H, Ha M, Park JD, Kwon HJ, Lee SA. Effect of dietary patterns on the blood/urine concentration of the selected toxic metals (Cd, Hg, Pb) in Korean children. Food Sci Biotechnol 2018; 27:1227-1237. [PMID: 30263854 DOI: 10.1007/s10068-018-0336-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2017] [Revised: 02/07/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was aimed to examine the association the blood/urinary concentration of toxic metal (Hg, Pb, and Cd) with children's dietary patterns. This cross-sectional study included 1026 school children aged 8-17 years. Dietary patterns were defined using factor loading scores for 108 foods from a Semi-Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire. A high blood Hg level was found in boys with a high score in the 'fish' pattern (p = 0.02), and in girls with a high score in 'fruit' pattern (p = 0.04). The concentration of Pb was related to the 'imprudent' pattern in high school boys (p = 0.02). The effect of the 'vegetable' pattern on high excretion of urinary Cd was observed in low grade elementary (p = 0.04) and middle school students (p < 0.0001), and the effect of the 'fruit' pattern on the urinary Cd was observed in high grade elementary school students (p = 0.02). This study suggests that the concentration of selected toxic metals in blood/urine could be affected by children's dietary pattern.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bom Kim
- 2Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chun-Cheon, Korea
| | - Pankaj Joshi
- 2Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chun-Cheon, Korea
| | - Sung-Ok Kwon
- 2Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chun-Cheon, Korea
| | - YeonJin Kim
- 2Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chun-Cheon, Korea
| | - Jung-Sook Oh
- Department of Beauty Art, Kyungbok University, Namyangju, Korea
| | - Jeongseon Kim
- 5Cancer Epidemiology Branch, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Korea
| | - Se-Young Oh
- 6Department of Food and Nutrition, Research Institute of Human Ecology, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 130-701 Korea
| | - Ji-Ae Lim
- 7Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan, Korea
| | - Byung-Sun Choi
- 8Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, 221 Heukseok-Dong, Dongjak-Gu, Seoul, 156-756 Korea
| | - Yu-Mi Kim
- 9Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Dong-A University, Busan, Korea.,Toxic Metal Exposure Environmental Health Center, Busan, Korea
| | - Sang-Yong Eom
- 11Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Young-Seob Hong
- 9Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Dong-A University, Busan, Korea.,Toxic Metal Exposure Environmental Health Center, Busan, Korea
| | - Seok-Joon Sohn
- 12Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Kyung-Su Park
- 13Advanced Analysis Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, Korea
| | - Heesoo Pyo
- 14Molecular Recognition Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ho Kim
- 15Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Mina Ha
- 7Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan, Korea
| | - Jung-Duck Park
- 8Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, 221 Heukseok-Dong, Dongjak-Gu, Seoul, 156-756 Korea
| | - Ho-Jang Kwon
- 7Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan, Korea
| | - Sang-Ah Lee
- 2Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chun-Cheon, Korea.,3Vanderbilt Epidemiological Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, USA
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16
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Abass K, Huusko A, Knutsen HK, Nieminen P, Myllynen P, Meltzer HM, Vahakangas K, Rautio A. Quantitative estimation of mercury intake by toxicokinetic modelling based on total mercury levels in humans. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2018; 114:1-11. [PMID: 29455008 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2018.02.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Revised: 02/08/2018] [Accepted: 02/14/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Mercury is a toxic metal that can be disseminated into the environment from both natural and anthropogenic sources. Human exposure to the metal stems mainly from food, and more particularly from the consumption of fish and other seafoods. Examining dietary exposure and measuring mercury levels in body tissues are two ways of estimating exposure to mercury. In this study, we utilized a modelling system consisting of three linear toxicokinetic models for describing the fate of methyl mercury, inorganic mercury, and metallic mercury in the body, in order to estimate daily intake of mercury as measured through total mercury concentrations in the blood. We then compared the results stemming from our modelling system to those of the detailed semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) of the Norwegian Fish and Game (NFG) Study, a project that focused on dietary mercury exposure. The results indicate that toxicokinetic modelling based on blood levels gave higher daily intake values of mercury compared to those of the FFQ. Furthermore, the former had a wider range of estimates than the latter. The properties of the toxicokinetic model or limitations in the dietary exposure assessment could be posited as reasons for the differences between the respective methods. Moreover, the results may have been influenced by sources of mercury exposure that cannot be described as dietary, such as amalgam fillings.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Abass
- Arctic Health, Faculty of Medicine; and Thule Institute, University of Oulu, Finland.
| | - A Huusko
- Arctic Health, Faculty of Medicine; and Thule Institute, University of Oulu, Finland
| | - H K Knutsen
- Division for Infection Control and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Norway
| | - P Nieminen
- Medical Informatics and Statistics Research Group, University of Oulu, Finland
| | - P Myllynen
- Northern Laboratory Centre NordLab, Oulu FI-90220, Finland
| | - H M Meltzer
- Division for Infection Control and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Norway
| | - K Vahakangas
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Pharmacy/Toxicology, University of Eastern Finland, Finland
| | - A Rautio
- Arctic Health, Faculty of Medicine; and Thule Institute, University of Oulu, Finland
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17
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Vejrup K, Brandlistuen RE, Brantsæter AL, Knutsen HK, Caspersen IH, Alexander J, Lundh T, Meltzer HM, Magnus P, Haugen M. Prenatal mercury exposure, maternal seafood consumption and associations with child language at five years. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2018; 110:71-79. [PMID: 29089166 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2017.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2017] [Revised: 10/17/2017] [Accepted: 10/17/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Methyl mercury (MeHg) is a well-known neurotoxin and evidence suggests that also low level exposure may affect prenatal neurodevelopment. Uncertainty exists as to whether the maternal MeHg burden in Norway might affect child neurodevelopment. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the association between prenatal mercury exposure, maternal seafood consumption and child language and communication skills at age five. METHODS The study sample comprised 38,581 mother-child pairs in the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study. Maternal mercury blood concentration in gestational week 17 was analysed in a sub-sample of 2239 women. Prenatal mercury exposure from maternal diet was calculated from a validated FFQ answered in mid-pregnancy. Mothers reported children's language and communications skills at age five by a questionnaire including questions from the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ), the Speech and Language Assessment Scale (SLAS) and the Twenty Statements about Language-Related Difficulties (language 20). We performed linear regression analyses adjusting for maternal characteristics, nutritional status and socioeconomic factors. RESULTS Median maternal blood mercury concentration was 1.03μg/L, dietary mercury exposure was 0.15μg/kgbw/wk, and seafood intake was 217g/wk. Blood mercury concentrations were not associated with any language and communication scales. Increased dietary mercury exposure was significantly associated with improved SLAS scores when mothers had a seafood intake below 400g/wk in the adjusted analysis. Sibling matched analysis showed a small significant adverse association between those above the 90th percentile dietary mercury exposure and the SLAS scores. Maternal seafood intake during pregnancy was positively associated with the language and communication scales. CONCLUSION Low levels of prenatal mercury exposure were positively associated with language and communication skills at five years. However, the matched sibling analyses suggested an adverse association between mercury and child language skills in the highest exposure group. This indicates that prenatal low level mercury exposure still needs our attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristine Vejrup
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Postbox 4404, Nydalen, NO 0403 Oslo, Norway.
| | | | - Anne Lise Brantsæter
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Postbox 4404, Nydalen, NO 0403 Oslo, Norway
| | | | | | - Jan Alexander
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Postbox 4404, Nydalen, NO 0403 Oslo, Norway
| | - Thomas Lundh
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, SE, 221 85 Lund, Sweden
| | | | - Per Magnus
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Postbox 4404, Nydalen, NO 0403 Oslo, Norway
| | - Margaretha Haugen
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Postbox 4404, Nydalen, NO 0403 Oslo, Norway
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Predictors of mercury, lead, cadmium and antimony status in Norwegian never-pregnant women of fertile age. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0189169. [PMID: 29206878 PMCID: PMC5716542 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0189169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The toxic trace elements mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) and antimony (Sb) are transferred over the placenta to the fetus and secreted into the breastmilk. All four elements bioaccumulate in the body and as maternal age at delivery is increasing in industrialized countries, the burden of toxic trace elements in never-pregnant women of fertile age is of concern. Methods Healthy, never-pregnant women aged 18 to 40 years (n = 158) were recruited between June 2012 and March 2015 in Bergen, Norway. Clinical data were collected and non-fasting venous blood samples were analyzed for whole blood Hg, Pb and Cd and serum Sb by ICP-MS and related to diet and life style factors. Results In a multiple linear regression model, increasing age was associated with higher levels of Hg and Sb, but diet and life style factors were more important predictors. Median whole blood Hg was increased by a factor of 70 in women who had fish for dinner ≥1/week, compared to women who rarely or never ate fish (p<0.001). Alcohol intake was the strongest predictor for whole blood Pb, while use of tobacco was the strongest predictor for whole blood Cd. Being a vegetarian was associated with lower levels of both Hg and Sb. Conclusions As toxic trace elements tend to bioaccumulate in the body, increasing maternal age at delivery may represent a threat to the next generation. In a group of healthy Norwegian never-pregnant women, age contributed to Hg and Sb levels, but diet and life style factors were stronger determinants of whole blood Hg, Pb, Cd and serum Sb levels. Continuous public actions are needed to reduce modifiable and preventable sources of potentially deleterious toxins to minimize the exposure in children and fertile women.
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Tatsuta N, Nakai K, Iwai-Shimada M, Suzuki T, Satoh H, Murata K. Total mercury levels in hair of children aged 7years before and after the Great East Japan Earthquake. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 596-597:207-211. [PMID: 28432910 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.04.110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2017] [Revised: 04/11/2017] [Accepted: 04/14/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The Great East Japan Earthquake on March 11, 2011 caused severe damage to the Sanriku coastal area, where we have been conducting a birth cohort study. The disaster occurred in the middle of 7-year-old examination. The mother-child pairs who participated in our study were compulsorily divided into two groups: the examination was finished for 157 children before the disaster, and for 335 after the disaster. We examined whether the disaster affected total mercury (THg) levels of the cohort, as well as a relationship between the THg levels at birth and at present. Although there was no significant difference between the predisaster and postdisaster groups for THg levels in cord blood (16.3 and 16.1ngg-1, respectively) or maternal hair at parturition (2.57 and 2.55μgg-1, respectively), the THg in hair of the 7-year-old children was significantly lower in the postdisaster group (1.79μgg-1) than in the predisaster group (2.51μgg-1). The difference remained significant after adjusting for the prenatal exposure level of THg. In the 492 mother-child pairs, the cord-blood THg was significantly correlated with the THg in maternal hair at parturition (r=0.846) and in hair of the 7-year-old children (r=0.147). In conclusion, the 29% decrease in hair THg after the disaster appears to have been due to the fact that children in the affected area could not consume fish/seafood as usual, probably because of destructive damage to the fishery. Nevertheless, the THg levels at 7years of age reflected the prenatal exposure levels to some extent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nozomi Tatsuta
- Development and Environmental Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8575, Japan; Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Hondo, Akita, Akita 010-8543, Japan
| | - Kunihiko Nakai
- Development and Environmental Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8575, Japan
| | - Miyuki Iwai-Shimada
- Centre of Health and Environmental Risk Research, National Institute for Environmental Studies, 16-2, Onokawa, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8506, Japan
| | - Tomoe Suzuki
- Development and Environmental Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8575, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Satoh
- Environmental Health Sciences, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8575, Japan
| | - Katsuyuki Murata
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Hondo, Akita, Akita 010-8543, Japan.
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Knudsen LE, Hansen PW, Mizrak S, Hansen HK, Mørck TA, Nielsen F, Siersma V, Mathiesen L. Biomonitoring of Danish school children and mothers including biomarkers of PBDE and glyphosate. REVIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2017; 32:279-290. [PMID: 28306542 DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2016-0067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2016] [Accepted: 01/17/2017] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Danish part of the large European Human biomonitoring pilot project Demonstration of a study to Coordinate and Perform Human biomonitoring on a European Scale (DEMOCOPHES) investigated the urine, hair and blood concentrations of 66 different environmental chemicals in a group of 145 Danish school children aged 6-11 years and their mothers from rural and urban areas in autumn 2011. Some - but not all - results were published; however, the concurrence of the chemicals has not been assessed. METHODS The measured concentrations of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and glyphosate is assessed to complete the investigation of all 66 chemicals in DEMOCOPHES. The concentrations of PBDEs were measured in plasma samples of 143 mothers and 116 children. Glyphosate was measured in a subsample of 27 urine samples. Previously assessed chemicals were polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) analyzed in blood samples, mercury analyzed in hair, and phthalate metabolites, parabens, phenols, cadmium, paracetamol and cotinine analyzed in urine samples. Differences in concentrations between mothers and children were assessed, and the associations between the concentrations of the different environmental chemicals. investigated by correlation analysis. RESULTS PBDE47 was found in relatively high levels compared with previous Danish results in both mothers and children, with a significantly higher level in the children compared to their mothers. Glyphosate in concentrations around 1 ng/mL was detected in all 27 samples. The analyzed environmental exposures seem to follow a pattern where chemicals within the same classes are strongly correlated and where children and mothers are exposed to the same chemicals. CONCLUSION The correlations between the measured environmental chemicals indicate that a specific exposure pattern may exist, where people who are highly exposed to one class of environmental chemicals also may be highly exposed to certain other classes. As some of the compounds were measured in higher levels in children compared to mothers, increased focus also on the exposure in young children is recommended. For more detailed investigation of specific exposure sources more studies with increased power and detailed questionnaires should be developed.
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Cusack LK, Smit E, Kile ML, Harding AK. Regional and temporal trends in blood mercury concentrations and fish consumption in women of child bearing Age in the united states using NHANES data from 1999-2010. Environ Health 2017; 16:10. [PMID: 28212649 PMCID: PMC5316155 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-017-0218-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2016] [Accepted: 02/11/2017] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The primary route of exposure to methylmercury (MeHg), a known developmental neurotoxicant, is from ingestion of seafood. Since 2004, women of reproductive age in the U.S. have been urged to eat fish and shellfish as part of a healthy diet while selecting species that contain lower levels MeHg. Yet few studies have examined trends in MeHg exposure and fish consumption over time in this group of women with respect to their geographical location in the U.S. METHODS Data from six consecutive cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 1999-2010 (n = 9597) were used to determine trends in blood mercury for women aged 16-49 residing in different regions in the US, and according to age, race/ethnicity, income level, and fish consumption using geographic variables. RESULTS Overall, mean blood mercury concentrations differed across survey cycles and mercury concentrations were lower in 2009-2010 compared to 1999-2000. There were regional patterns in fish consumption and blood Hg concentrations with women living in coastal regions having the highest fish consumption in the past 30 days and the highest blood Hg levels compared to women residing inland. CONCLUSIONS On average, U.S. women of reproductive age were consuming more fish and blood mercury levels were lower in 2009-2010 compared to 1999-2000. However, efforts to encourage healthy fish consumption may need to be tailored to different regions in the U.S. given the observed spatial variability in blood mercury levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leanne K. Cusack
- School of Biological and Population Health Sciences, College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon USA
| | - Ellen Smit
- School of Biological and Population Health Sciences, College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon USA
| | - Molly L. Kile
- School of Biological and Population Health Sciences, College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon USA
| | - Anna K. Harding
- School of Biological and Population Health Sciences, College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon USA
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Looking for effects of environmental contaminants in a large birth cohort: Summarizing results of the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study (MoBa). Int J Hyg Environ Health 2017; 220:71-76. [PMID: 28110843 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2016.12.011] [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: 08/31/2016] [Revised: 11/30/2016] [Accepted: 12/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study (MoBa) includes about 113 000 pregnancies, recruited during the years 1999-2008. Using information from questionnaires and biological samples, a major purpose has been to estimate the association between exposures to environmental contaminants and disease occurrence in parents and children. The intention of this article is to describe the available data in MoBa together with a short synopsis of some recent MoBa-publications that relate to exposure assessment and associations between toxicants and health outcomes. The majority of these papers display negative results, in the sense that no strong associations between contaminants and health outcomes have been found, whereas others suggest adverse effects. The positive associations between fetal exposure to contaminants and child growth and development will need replication in other cohorts and further risk assessment. Large prospective pregnancy cohorts remain an important resource for surveillance and detection of effects of environmental hazards on human health.
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Lohren H, Bornhorst J, Fitkau R, Pohl G, Galla HJ, Schwerdtle T. Effects on and transfer across the blood-brain barrier in vitro-Comparison of organic and inorganic mercury species. BMC Pharmacol Toxicol 2016; 17:63. [PMID: 27978854 PMCID: PMC5159962 DOI: 10.1186/s40360-016-0106-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2016] [Accepted: 11/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Transport of methylmercury (MeHg) across the blood-brain barrier towards the brain side is well discussed in literature, while ethylmercury (EtHg) and inorganic mercury are not adequately characterized regarding their entry into the brain. Studies investigating a possible efflux out of the brain are not described to our knowledge. Methods This study compares, for the first time, effects of organic methylmercury chloride (MeHgCl), EtHg-containing thiomersal and inorganic Hg chloride (HgCl2) on as well as their transfer across a primary porcine in vitro model of the blood-brain barrier. Results With respect to the barrier integrity, the barrier model exhibited a much higher sensitivity towards HgCl2 following basolateral incubation (brain-facing side) as compared to apical application (blood-facing side). These HgCl2 induced effects on the barrier integrity after brain side incubation are comparable to that of the organic species, although MeHgCl and thiomersal exerted much higher cytotoxic effects in the barrier building cells. Hg transfer rates following exposure to organic species in both directions argue for diffusion as transfer mechanism. Inorganic Hg application surprisingly resulted in a Hg transfer out of the brain-facing compartment. Conclusions In case of MeHgCl and thiomersal incubation, mercury crossed the barrier in both directions, with a slight accumulation in the basolateral, brain-facing compartment, after simultaneous incubation in both compartments. For HgCl2, our data provide first evidence that the blood-brain barrier transfers mercury out of the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Lohren
- Department of Food Chemistry, Institute of Nutritional Science, Univeristy of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Julia Bornhorst
- Department of Food Chemistry, Institute of Nutritional Science, Univeristy of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Romy Fitkau
- Department of Food Chemistry, Institute of Nutritional Science, Univeristy of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Gabriele Pohl
- Department of Food Chemistry, Institute of Nutritional Science, Univeristy of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | | | - Tanja Schwerdtle
- Department of Food Chemistry, Institute of Nutritional Science, Univeristy of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany.
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Bonsignore M, Andolfi N, Barra M, Madeddu A, Tisano F, Ingallinella V, Castorina M, Sprovieri M. Assessment of mercury exposure in human populations: A status report from Augusta Bay (southern Italy). ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2016; 150:592-599. [PMID: 26806294 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2016.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2015] [Revised: 09/08/2015] [Accepted: 01/12/2016] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Here we investigate mercury concentrations in the blood (HgB), urine (HgU) and human hair (HgH) of 224 individuals from a coastal area (Eastern Sicily, SE Italy) strongly affected by Hg contamination from one of the largest chlor-alkali plants in Europe. The factors affecting the distribution of Hg and the extent of the exposure of individuals have been explored with a multidisciplinary approach. Multiple regression analyses, together with evidence of high levels of HgB (exceeding the HBMI recommended levels in 50% of cases) and HgH (exceeding the EPA reference dose in 70% of cases), primarily suggest that the consumption of local fish is the main source of Hg for humans. no. significant exposure to inorganic mercury was identified. Toxicokinetic calculations produced a provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) level that, in most cases, exceeds international recommendations, particularly for residents in the studied area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Bonsignore
- Institute for Coastal and Marine Environment (IAMC - CNR), Via del Mare, 3, 91021 Torretta 10 Granitola, Campobello di Mazara, TP, Italy
| | - Nunzia Andolfi
- Laboratory of Public Health - ASP of Syracuse, Corso Gelone, 17, 96100, Syracuse, Italy
| | - Marco Barra
- Institute for Coastal and Marine Environment (IAMC - CNR), Calata Porta di Massa, Interno Porto di Napoli, 80133 Naples, Italy
| | - Anselmo Madeddu
- Laboratory of Public Health - ASP of Syracuse, Corso Gelone, 17, 96100, Syracuse, Italy
| | - Francesco Tisano
- Laboratory of Public Health - ASP of Syracuse, Corso Gelone, 17, 96100, Syracuse, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Ingallinella
- Laboratory of Public Health - ASP of Syracuse, Corso Gelone, 17, 96100, Syracuse, Italy
| | - Maria Castorina
- Laboratory of Public Health - ASP of Syracuse, Corso Gelone, 17, 96100, Syracuse, Italy
| | - Mario Sprovieri
- Institute for Coastal and Marine Environment (IAMC - CNR), Via del Mare, 3, 91021 Torretta 10 Granitola, Campobello di Mazara, TP, Italy.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was to characterize the risk for elevated mercury (Hg) from fish consumption among Asians in Chicago. Consumption of fish contaminated with methyl Hg (MeHg) can affect the neurodevelopment in children and cardiovascular disease risk in adults. METHODS We collected fish consumption information and hair samples for Hg at two health fairs. We purchased fish from Asian fish markets. RESULTS Geometric mean hair Hg from 71 participants was 0.58 μg/g, with 28% overall and 29% of women of childbearing age having hair Hg levels at least 1 μg/g; 20% ate fish 4 or more times/wk. Tuna consumption and non-Chinese Asian ethnicity were associated with elevated Hg. Hg levels in purchased fish were generally low. CONCLUSIONS Our study confirms other findings that, compared with estimates of the general US population, Asians are at higher risk of elevated MeHg because of frequent fish consumption.
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Vejrup K, Schjølberg S, Knutsen HK, Kvalem HE, Brantsæter AL, Meltzer HM, Alexander J, Magnus P, Haugen M. Prenatal methylmercury exposure and language delay at three years of age in the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2016; 92-93:63-69. [PMID: 27058928 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2016.03.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2015] [Revised: 02/26/2016] [Accepted: 03/22/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Prenatal methylmercury (MeHg) exposure and its possible neurodevelopmental effects in susceptible children are of concern. Studies of MeHg exposure and negative health outcomes have shown conflicting results and it has been suggested that co-exposure to other contaminants and/or nutrients in fish may confound the effect of MeHg. Our objective was to examine the association between prenatal exposure to MeHg and language and communication development at three years, adjusting for intake of fish, n-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LCPUFAs) and co-exposure to dioxins and dioxin like polychlorinated biphenyls (dl-PCBs). We used data from the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study (MoBa) collected between 2002 and 2008. The study sample consisted of 46,750 mother-child pairs. MeHg exposure was calculated from reported fish intake during pregnancy by a FFQ in mid-pregnancy. Children's language and communication skills were measured by maternal report on the Dale and Bishop grammar rating and the Ages and Stages communication scale (ASQ). We estimated odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) using logistic regressions. Median MeHg exposure was 1.3μg/day, corresponding to 0.14μg/kgbw/week. An exposure level above the 90th percentile (>2.6μg/day, >0.29μg/kgbw/week) was defined as the high MeHg exposure. Results indicated an association between high MeHg exposure and unintelligible speech with an adjusted OR 2.22 (1.31, 3.72). High MeHg exposure was also associated with weaker communication skills adjusted OR 1.33 (1.03, 1.70). Additional adjustment for fish intake strengthened the associations, while adjusting for PCBs and n-3 LCPUFA from diet or from supplements had minor impact. In conclusion, significant associations were found between prenatal MeHg exposure above the 90th percentile and delayed language and communication skills in a generally low exposed population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristine Vejrup
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, P.O. Box 4404 Nydalen, NO-0403 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Synnve Schjølberg
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, P.O. Box 4404 Nydalen, NO-0403 Oslo, Norway
| | | | | | - Anne Lise Brantsæter
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, P.O. Box 4404 Nydalen, NO-0403 Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Jan Alexander
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, P.O. Box 4404 Nydalen, NO-0403 Oslo, Norway
| | - Per Magnus
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, P.O. Box 4404 Nydalen, NO-0403 Oslo, Norway
| | - Margaretha Haugen
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, P.O. Box 4404 Nydalen, NO-0403 Oslo, Norway
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Mørck TA, Nielsen F, Nielsen JKS, Jensen JF, Hansen PW, Hansen AK, Christoffersen LN, Siersma VD, Larsen IH, Hohlmann LK, Skaanild MT, Frederiksen H, Biot P, Casteleyn L, Kolossa-Gehring M, Schwedler G, Castaño A, Angerer J, Koch HM, Esteban M, Schoeters G, Den Hond E, Exley K, Sepai O, Bloemen L, Joas R, Joas A, Fiddicke U, Lopez A, Cañas A, Aerts D, Knudsen LE. The Danish contribution to the European DEMOCOPHES project: A description of cadmium, cotinine and mercury levels in Danish mother-child pairs and the perspectives of supplementary sampling and measurements. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2015; 141:96-105. [PMID: 25440293 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2014.07.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2014] [Revised: 07/21/2014] [Accepted: 07/23/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Human biomonitoring (HBM) is an important tool, increasingly used for measuring true levels of the body burdens of environmental chemicals in the general population. In Europe, a harmonized HBM program was needed to open the possibility to compare levels across borders. To explore the prospect of a harmonized European HBM project, DEMOCOPHES (DEMOnstration of a study to COordinate and Perform Human biomonitoring on a European Scale) was completed in 17 European countries. The basic measurements performed in all implemented countries of DEMOCOPHES included cadmium, cotinine and phthalate metabolites in urine and mercury in hair. In the Danish participants, significant correlations between mothers and children for mercury in hair and cotinine in urine were found. Mercury in hair was further significantly associated with intake of fish and area of residence. Cadmium was positively associated with BMI in mothers and an association between cadmium and cotinine was also found. As expected high cotinine levels were found in smoking mothers. For both mercury and cadmium significantly higher concentrations were found in the mothers compared to their children. In Denmark, the DEMOCOPHES project was co-financed by the Danish ministries of health, environment and food safety. The co-financing ministries agreed to finance a number of supplementary measurements of substances of current toxicological, public and regulatory interest. This also included blood sampling from the participants. The collected urine and blood samples were analyzed for a range of other persistent and non-persistent environmental chemicals as well as two biomarkers of effect. The variety of supplementary measurements gives the researchers further information on the exposure status of the participants and creates a basis for valuable knowledge on the pattern of exposure to various chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thit A Mørck
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Flemming Nielsen
- Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | | | - Janne F Jensen
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Pernille W Hansen
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anne K Hansen
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Volkert D Siersma
- The Research Unit for General Practice and Section of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ida H Larsen
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Linette K Hohlmann
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Hanne Frederiksen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Pierre Biot
- Federal Public Service Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | | | | | - Argelia Castaño
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jürgen Angerer
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (IPA), Bochum, Germany
| | - Holger M Koch
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (IPA), Bochum, Germany
| | - Marta Esteban
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Greet Schoeters
- Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Environmental Risk and Health unit, Mol, Belgium
| | - Elly Den Hond
- Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Environmental Risk and Health unit, Mol, Belgium
| | - Karen Exley
- Public Health England, Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards, Chilton, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Ovnair Sepai
- Public Health England, Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards, Chilton, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Louis Bloemen
- Environmental Health Science International, Hulst, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Ana Lopez
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Cañas
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Dominique Aerts
- Federal Public Service Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lisbeth E Knudsen
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Barcelos GRM, Souza MFD, Oliveira AÁSD, Lengert AVH, Oliveira MTD, Camargo RBDOG, Grotto D, Valentini J, Garcia SC, Braga GÚL, Cólus IMDS, Adeyemi J, Barbosa F. Effects of genetic polymorphisms on antioxidant status and concentrations of the metals in the blood of riverside Amazonian communities co-exposed to Hg and Pb. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2015; 138:224-232. [PMID: 25728017 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2015.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2014] [Revised: 02/10/2015] [Accepted: 02/14/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
There have been reports of genetic effects affecting the metabolism of Hg and Pb individually, and thus modulating their toxicities. However, there is still a knowledge gap with respect to how genetics may influence the toxicities of these toxic metals during a co-exposure scenario. This present study is therefore aimed at investigating the effects of polymorphisms in genes (GSTM1, GSTT1, GSTP1, GCLM, GCLC, GPx1, ALAD, VDR and MDR1) that have been implicated in Hg and Pb metabolisms affects the kinetics of these metals, as well as various blood antioxidant status parameters: MDA and GSH, and the activities of CAT, GPx and ALAD among populations that have been co-exposed to both Hg and Pb. Study subjects (207 men; 188 women) were from an Amazonian population in Brazil, exposed to Hg and Pb from diet. The blood levels of Hg and Pb were determined by ICP-MS while genotyping were performed by PCR assays. The median values of Hg and Pb in blood were 39.8µg/L and 11.0µg/dL, respectively. GSTM1, ALAD and VDR polymorphisms influenced Hg in blood (β=0.17; 0.37 and 0.17; respectively, p<0.050) while variations on GCLM, GSTT1 and MDR1 (TT) modulated the concentrations of Pb among the subjects (β=-0.14; 0.13 and -0.22; re-spectively, p<0.050). GSTT1 and GCLM polymorphisms also are associated to changes of MDA concentrations. Persons with null GSTM1 genotype had higher activity of the antioxidant enzyme CAT than carries of the allele. Individuals with deletion of both GSTM1 and GSTT1 had a decreased expression of GPx compared to those that expressed at least, one of the enzymes. ALAD 1/2 subjects had lower ALAD activity than individuals with the non-variant genotype. Our findings give further support that polymorphisms related to Hg and Pb metabolism may modulate Hg and Pb body burden and, consequently metals-induced toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Rafael Mazzaron Barcelos
- Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Avenida do Café s/no, CEP 14040-903 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
| | - Marilesia Ferreira de Souza
- Department of General Biology, Center for Biological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid km 380, CEP 86051-990 Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Andréia Ávila Soares de Oliveira
- Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Avenida do Café s/no, CEP 14040-903 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - André van Helvoort Lengert
- Department of General Biology, Center for Biological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid km 380, CEP 86051-990 Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Tempesta de Oliveira
- Department of General Biology, Center for Biological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid km 380, CEP 86051-990 Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | | | - Denise Grotto
- Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Avenida do Café s/no, CEP 14040-903 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Juliana Valentini
- Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Avenida do Café s/no, CEP 14040-903 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Solange Cristina Garcia
- School of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Ipiranga, 2752, CEP 90610-000, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Gilberto Úbida Leite Braga
- Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Avenida do Café s/no, CEP 14040-903 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Ilce Mara de Syllos Cólus
- Department of General Biology, Center for Biological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid km 380, CEP 86051-990 Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Joseph Adeyemi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Basic and Applied Sciences, Osun State University, P.M.B. 4494 Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Fernando Barbosa
- Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Avenida do Café s/no, CEP 14040-903 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
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Climate change impacts on environmental and human exposure to mercury in the arctic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2015; 12:3579-99. [PMID: 25837201 PMCID: PMC4410204 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph120403579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2015] [Revised: 03/04/2015] [Accepted: 03/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
This paper reviews information from the literature and the EU ArcRisk project to assess whether climate change results in an increase or decrease in exposure to mercury (Hg) in the Arctic, and if this in turn will impact the risks related to its harmful effects. It presents the state-of-the art of knowledge on atmospheric mercury emissions from anthropogenic sources worldwide, the long-range transport to the Arctic, and it discusses the likely environmental fate and exposure effects on population groups in the Arctic under climate change conditions. The paper also includes information about the likely synergy effects (co-benefits) current and new climate change polices and mitigation options might have on mercury emissions reductions in the future. The review concludes that reductions of mercury emission from anthropogenic sources worldwide would need to be introduced as soon as possible in order to assure lowering the adverse impact of climate change on human health. Scientific information currently available, however, is not in the position to clearly answer whether climate change will increase or decrease the risk of exposure to mercury in the Arctic. New research should therefore be undertaken to model the relationships between climate change and mercury exposure.
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Sicilia V, Borja P, Baya M, Casas JM. Selective turn-off phosphorescent and colorimetric detection of mercury(ii) in water by half-lantern platinum(ii) complexes. Dalton Trans 2015; 44:6936-43. [DOI: 10.1039/c5dt00087d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Complexes [{Pt(bzq)(μ-C7H4NS2-κN,S)}2] and [{Pt(bzq)(μ-C7H4NOS-κN,S)}2] are two new selective colorimetric and turn-off phosphorescent chemosensors for Hg2+ in DMSO–H2O solution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Violeta Sicilia
- Instituto de Síntesis Química y Catálisis Homogénea (ISQCH)
- CSIC – Universidad de Zaragoza
- Departamento de Química Inorgánica
- Escuela de Ingeniería y Arquitectura de Zaragoza
- Campus Río Ebro
| | - Pilar Borja
- Instituto de Síntesis Química y Catálisis Homogénea (ISQCH)
- CSIC – Universidad de Zaragoza
- Departamento de Química Inorgánica
- Facultad de Ciencias
- Zaragoza
| | - Miguel Baya
- Instituto de Síntesis Química y Catálisis Homogénea (ISQCH)
- CSIC – Universidad de Zaragoza
- Departamento de Química Inorgánica
- Facultad de Ciencias
- Zaragoza
| | - José M. Casas
- Instituto de Síntesis Química y Catálisis Homogénea (ISQCH)
- CSIC – Universidad de Zaragoza
- Departamento de Química Inorgánica
- Facultad de Ciencias
- Zaragoza
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Lohren H, Bornhorst J, Galla HJ, Schwerdtle T. The blood–cerebrospinal fluid barrier – first evidence for an active transport of organic mercury compounds out of the brain. Metallomics 2015; 7:1420-30. [DOI: 10.1039/c5mt00171d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Hg strongly transfers across the blood–CSF barrier towards the blood side after incubation with organic Hg compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Lohren
- Department of Food Chemistry
- Institute of Nutritional Science
- University of Potsdam
- 14558 Nuthetal, Germany
| | - Julia Bornhorst
- Department of Food Chemistry
- Institute of Nutritional Science
- University of Potsdam
- 14558 Nuthetal, Germany
| | | | - Tanja Schwerdtle
- Department of Food Chemistry
- Institute of Nutritional Science
- University of Potsdam
- 14558 Nuthetal, Germany
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Veyhe AS, Hofoss D, Hansen S, Thomassen Y, Sandanger TM, Odland JØ, Nieboer E. The Northern Norway Mother-and-Child Contaminant Cohort (MISA) Study: PCA analyses of environmental contaminants in maternal sera and dietary intake in early pregnancy. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2014; 218:254-64. [PMID: 25556042 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2014.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2014] [Revised: 11/17/2014] [Accepted: 12/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although predictors of contaminants in serum or whole blood are usually examined by chemical groups (e.g., POPs, toxic and/or essential elements; dietary sources), principal component analysis (PCA) permits consideration of both individual substances and combined variables. OBJECTIVES Our study had two primary objectives: (i) Characterize the sources and predictors of a suite of eight PCBs, four organochlorine (OC) pesticides, five essential and five toxic elements in serum and/or whole blood of pregnant women recruited as part of the Mother-and-Child Contaminant Cohort Study conducted in Northern Norway (The MISA study); and (ii) determine the influence of personal and social characteristics on both dietary and contaminant factors. METHODS Recruitment and sampling started in May 2007 and continued for the next 31 months until December 2009. Blood/serum samples were collected during the 2nd trimester (mean: 18.2 weeks, range 9.0-36.0). A validated questionnaire was administered to obtain personal information. The samples were analysed by established laboratories employing verified methods and reference standards. PCA involved Varimax rotation, and significant predictors (p≤0.05) in linear regression models were included in the multivariable linear regression analysis. RESULTS When considering all the contaminants, three prominent PCA axes stood out with prominent loadings of: all POPs; arsenic, selenium and mercury; and cadmium and lead. Respectively, in the multivariate models the following were predictors: maternal age, parity and consumption of freshwater fish and land-based wild animals; marine fish; cigarette smoking, dietary PCA axes reflecting consumption of grains and cereals, and food items involving hunting. PCA of only the POPs separated them into two axes that, in terms of recently published findings, could be understood to reflect longitudinal trends and their relative contributions to summed POPs. CONCLUSIONS The linear combinations of variables generated by PCA identified prominent dietary sources of OC groups and of prominent toxic elements and highlighted the importance of maternal characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Sofía Veyhe
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Science, The Arctic University of Norway, Norway.
| | - Dag Hofoss
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Science, The Arctic University of Norway, Norway; Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Solrunn Hansen
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Science, The Arctic University of Norway, Norway
| | | | - Torkjel M Sandanger
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Science, The Arctic University of Norway, Norway; Norwegian Institute for Air Research (NILU), Fram Centre, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Jon Øyvind Odland
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Science, The Arctic University of Norway, Norway
| | - Evert Nieboer
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Science, The Arctic University of Norway, Norway; Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Vejrup K, Brantsæter AL, Knutsen HK, Magnus P, Alexander J, Kvalem HE, Meltzer HM, Haugen M. Prenatal mercury exposure and infant birth weight in the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study. Public Health Nutr 2014; 17:2071-80. [PMID: 24103413 PMCID: PMC11108685 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980013002619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2013] [Revised: 08/06/2013] [Accepted: 08/14/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the association between calculated maternal dietary exposure to Hg in pregnancy and infant birth weight in the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study (MoBa). DESIGN Exposure was calculated with use of a constructed database of Hg in food items and reported dietary intake during pregnancy. Multivariable regression models were used to explore the association between maternal Hg exposure and infant birth weight, and to model associations with small-for-gestational-age offspring. SETTING The study is based on data from MoBa. SUBJECTS The study sample consisted of 62 941 women who answered a validated FFQ which covered the habitual diet during the first five months of pregnancy. RESULTS Median exposure to Hg was 0·15 μg/kg body weight per week and the contribution from seafood intake was 88 % of total Hg exposure. Women in the highest quintile compared with the lowest quintile of Hg exposure delivered offspring with 34 g lower birth weight (95 % CI -46 g, -22 g) and had an increased risk of giving birth to small-for-gestational-age offspring, adjusted OR = 1·19 (95 % CI 1·08, 1·30). Although seafood intake was positively associated with increased birth weight, stratified analyses showed negative associations between Hg exposure and birth weight within strata of seafood intake. CONCLUSIONS Although seafood intake in pregnancy is positively associated with birth weight, Hg exposure is negatively associated with birth weight. Seafood consumption during pregnancy should not be avoided, but clarification is needed to identify at what level of Hg exposure this risk might exceed the benefits of seafood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristine Vejrup
- Division of Epidemiology, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Post Box 4404 Nydalen, NO-0403 Oslo, Norway
| | - Anne Lise Brantsæter
- Division of Environmental Medicine, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Helle K Knutsen
- Division of Environmental Medicine, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Per Magnus
- Division of Epidemiology, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Post Box 4404 Nydalen, NO-0403 Oslo, Norway
| | - Jan Alexander
- Office of Director-General, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Helen E Kvalem
- Division of Environmental Medicine, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- Bjørknes College, Oslo, Norway
| | - Helle M Meltzer
- Division of Environmental Medicine, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Margaretha Haugen
- Division of Environmental Medicine, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
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Birch RJ, Bigler J, Rogers JW, Zhuang Y, Clickner RP. Trends in blood mercury concentrations and fish consumption among U.S. women of reproductive age, NHANES, 1999-2010. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2014; 133:431-8. [PMID: 24602558 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2014.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2013] [Revised: 12/11/2013] [Accepted: 02/03/2014] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Consumption of finfish and shellfish is the primary exposure pathway of methylmercury (MeHg) in the US. MeHg exposure in utero is associated with neurodevelopmental and motor function deficits. Regulations and fish advisories may contribute to decreased exposure to mercury over time. OBJECTIVES Combine fish tissue mercury (FTHg) concentrations and 1999-2010 NHANES blood mercury concentrations and fish consumption data to investigate trends in blood mercury concentrations, fish consumption, and mercury intake in women of reproductive age. METHODS Blood MeHg was calculated from the blood total and inorganic concentrations. Dietary datasets were combined to estimate 30-day fish consumption, then combined with FTHg concentrations to estimate mercury intake and mercury concentration in the fish consumed. Non-linear and logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate trends over time. RESULTS Regression analysis found NHANES 1999-2000 to have higher blood MeHg concentrations than the mean of the later releases (p<0.0001) and a positive quadratic trend since 2000 (p=0.004). No trend was observed in fish consumption amount or mercury intake. A decreasing trend was found in the ratio of mercury intake to fish consumed (p=0.04). CONCLUSIONS The analyses found blood MeHg concentrations in NHANES 1999-2000 to be significantly higher than the mean of the later releases. There was no trend in fish consumption amount across the study period. The analysis found a decreasing trend in the ratio of mercury intake to fish consumed, consistent with women shifting their consumption to fish with lower mercury concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jeff Bigler
- Office of Science and Technology, Office of Water, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20460, USA
| | - John W Rogers
- Westat, 1600 Research Blvd, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Yan Zhuang
- Westat, 1600 Research Blvd, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
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Višnjevec AM, Kocman D, Horvat M. Human mercury exposure and effects in Europe. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2014; 33:1259-70. [PMID: 24375779 DOI: 10.1002/etc.2482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2013] [Revised: 07/16/2013] [Accepted: 10/31/2013] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The effects of human exposure to mercury (Hg) and its compounds in Europe have been the focus of numerous studies that differed in their design, including recruiting different population groups at different levels of exposure and using different protocols and recruitment strategies. The objective of the present study was to review current studies of Hg exposure in Europe, taking into account the potential routes of Hg exposure, actual Hg exposure levels assessed by different biomarkers, and the effects of Hg to Europeans. All published studies from 2000 onward were reviewed, and exposure and effects studies were compared with known Hg levels in environmental compartments by mapping the various population groups studied and taking into account known sources of Hg. A study of the spatial distribution trends confirmed that the highest exposure levels to Hg, mostly as methylmercury (MeHg), are found in coastal populations, which consume more fish than inland populations. Fewer studies addressed exposure to elemental Hg through inhalation of Hg in air and inorganic Hg in food, particularly in highly contaminated areas. Overall, at the currently low exposure levels of Hg prevalently found in Europe, further studies are needed to confirm the risk to European populations, taking into consideration exposure to various Hg compounds and mixtures of stressors with similar end-points, nutritional status, and a detailed understanding of Hg in fish present in European markets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Miklavčič Višnjevec
- Department of Environmental Sciences, "Jožef Stefan" Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia; International postgraduate School Jožef Stefan, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Nielsen SJ, Kit BK, Aoki Y, Ogden CL. Seafood consumption and blood mercury concentrations in adults aged ≥20 y, 2007-2010. Am J Clin Nutr 2014; 99:1066-70. [PMID: 24522443 PMCID: PMC10952048 DOI: 10.3945/ajcn.113.077081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Seafood is part of a healthy diet, but seafood can also contain methyl mercury-a neurotoxin. OBJECTIVE The objective was to describe seafood consumption in US adults and to explore the relation between seafood consumption and blood mercury. DESIGN Seafood consumption, obtained from a food-frequency questionnaire, and blood mercury data were available for 10,673 adults who participated in the 2007-2010 NHANES-a cross-sectional nationally representative sample of the US population. Seafood consumption was categorized by type (fish or shellfish) and by frequency of consumption (0, 1-2, 3-4, or ≥5 times/mo). Linear trends in geometric mean blood mercury concentrations by frequency of seafood consumption were tested. Logistic regression analyses examined the odds of blood mercury concentrations ≥5.8 μg/L (as identified by the National Research Council) based on frequency of the specific type of seafood consumed (included in the model as continuous variables) adjusted for sex, age, and race/Hispanic origin. RESULTS In 2007-2010, 83.0% ± 0.7% (±SE) of adults consumed seafood in the preceding month. In adults consuming seafood, the blood mercury concentration increased as the frequency of seafood consumption increased (P < 0.001). In 2007-2010, 4.6% ± 0.39% of adults had blood mercury concentrations ≥5.8 μg/L. Results of the logistic regression on blood mercury concentrations ≥5.8 μg/L showed no association with shrimp (P = 0.21) or crab (P = 0.48) consumption and a highly significant positive association with consumption of high-mercury fish (adjusted OR per unit monthly consumption: 4.58; 95% CI: 2.44, 8.62; P < 0.001), tuna (adjusted OR: 1.14; 95% CI: 1.10, 1.17; P < 0.001), salmon (adjusted OR: 1.14; 95% CI: 1.09, 1.20; P < 0.001), and other seafood (adjusted OR: 1.12; 95% CI: 1.08, 1.15; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Most US adults consume seafood, and the blood mercury concentration is associated with the consumption of tuna, salmon, high-mercury fish, and other seafood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samara Joy Nielsen
- Division of Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, National Center for Health Statistics, CDC, Hyattsville, MD (SJN, BKK, YA, and CLO), and the US Public Health Service, Rockville, MD (BKK)
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Sheehan MC, Burke TA, Navas-Acien A, Breysse PN, McGready J, Fox MA. Global methylmercury exposure from seafood consumption and risk of developmental neurotoxicity: a systematic review. Bull World Health Organ 2014; 92:254-269F. [PMID: 24700993 PMCID: PMC3967569 DOI: 10.2471/blt.12.116152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2012] [Revised: 10/15/2013] [Accepted: 11/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine biomarkers of methylmercury (MeHg) intake in women and infants from seafood-consuming populations globally and characterize the comparative risk of fetal developmental neurotoxicity. METHODS A search was conducted of the published literature reporting total mercury (Hg) in hair and blood in women and infants. These biomarkers are validated proxy measures of MeHg, a neurotoxin found primarily in seafood. Average and high-end biomarkers were extracted, stratified by seafood consumption context, and pooled by category. Medians for average and high-end pooled distributions were compared with the reference level established by a joint expert committee of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO). FINDINGS Selection criteria were met by 164 studies of women and infants from 43 countries. Pooled average biomarkers suggest an intake of MeHg several times over the FAO/WHO reference in fish-consuming riparians living near small-scale gold mining and well over the reference in consumers of marine mammals in Arctic regions. In coastal regions of south-eastern Asia, the western Pacific and the Mediterranean, average biomarkers approach the reference. Although the two former groups have a higher risk of neurotoxicity than the latter, coastal regions are home to the largest number at risk. High-end biomarkers across all categories indicate MeHg intake is in excess of the reference value. CONCLUSION There is a need for policies to reduce Hg exposure among women and infants and for surveillance in high-risk populations, the majority of which live in low-and middle-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary C Sheehan
- Risk Sciences and Public Policy Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States of America (USA)
| | - Thomas A Burke
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA
| | - Ana Navas-Acien
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA
| | - Patrick N Breysse
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA
| | - John McGready
- Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA
| | - Mary A Fox
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA
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Chung HK, Park JY, Cho Y, Shin MJ. Contribution of dietary patterns to blood heavy metal concentrations in Korean adults: findings from the Fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2010. Food Chem Toxicol 2013; 62:645-52. [PMID: 24120902 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2013.09.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2013] [Revised: 09/26/2013] [Accepted: 09/29/2013] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the associations between dietary patterns and blood levels of lead and mercury in Korean adults. A total of 858 Korean adults (≥20 years) who participated in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) V-1 2010 were included in this study. Data of biochemical measurements including blood lead and mercury levels, nutrients intakes and anthropometric measurements were acquired. 'Balanced diet', 'Grain and kimchi', and 'Alcohol and noodle' dietary patterns were derived from a factor analysis, and the subjects were divided into tertiles by each dietary pattern score. A logistic multiple regression analysis showed that the balanced diet pattern was negatively associated with blood levels of lead before and after adjustment. On the other hand, the alcohol and noodle pattern was positively associated with blood lead and mercury levels. These results indicate that the alcohol and noodle dietary pattern characterized by high alcohol consumption and lack of various foods, and the balanced dietary pattern, including vegetable, fish, meat and milk intake, was associated with the blood concentrations of heavy metals in Korean adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye-Kyung Chung
- Severance Institute for Vascular and Metabolic Research, College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Seoul 120-749, Republic of Korea
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39
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Birgisdottir BE, Knutsen HK, Haugen M, Gjelstad IM, Jenssen MTS, Ellingsen DG, Thomassen Y, Alexander J, Meltzer HM, Brantsæter AL. Essential and toxic element concentrations in blood and urine and their associations with diet: results from a Norwegian population study including high-consumers of seafood and game. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2013; 463-464:836-844. [PMID: 23867847 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2013.06.078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2013] [Revised: 06/19/2013] [Accepted: 06/20/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The first aim of the study was to evaluate calculated dietary intake and concentrations measured in blood or urine of essential and toxic elements in relation to nutritional and toxicological reference values. The second aim was to identify patterns of the element concentrations in blood and urine and to identify possible dietary determinants of the concentrations of these elements. Adults with a known high consumption of environmental contaminants (n=111), and a random sample of controls (n=76) answered a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Complete data on biological measures were available for 179 individuals. Blood and urine samples were analyzed for selenium, iodine, arsenic, mercury, cadmium and lead. Principal component analysis was used to identify underlying patterns of correlated blood and urine concentrations. The calculated intakes of selenium, iodine, inorganic arsenic and mercury were within guideline levels. For cadmium 24% of the high consumer group and 8% of the control group had intakes above the tolerable weekly intake. Concentrations of lead in blood exceeded the bench-mark dose lower confidence limits for some participants. However, overall, the examined exposures did not give rise to nutritional or toxicological concerns. Game consumption was associated with lead in blood (B(ln) 0.021; 95%CI:0.010, 0.031) and wine consumption. Seafood consumption was associated with urinary cadmium in non-smokers (B(ln) 0.009; 95%CI:0.003, 0.015). A novel finding was a distinct pattern of positively associated biological markers, comprising iodine, selenium, arsenic and mercury (eigenvalue 3.8), reflecting seafood intake (B 0.007; 95%CI:0.004, 0.010). The study clearly demonstrates the significance of seafood as a source of both essential nutrients and toxic elements simultaneously and shows that exposure to various essential and toxic elements can be intertwined.
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Affiliation(s)
- B E Birgisdottir
- Division of Environmental Medicine, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
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Scientific Opinion on the risk for public health related to the presence of mercury and methylmercury in food. EFSA J 2012. [DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2012.2985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 276] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
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