1
|
Abstract
Heavy metals are harmful environmental pollutants that have attracted widespread attention due to their health hazards to human cardiovascular disease. Heavy metals, including lead, cadmium, mercury, arsenic, and chromium, are found in various sources such as air, water, soil, food, and industrial products. Recent research strongly suggests a connection between cardiovascular disease and exposure to toxic heavy metals. Epidemiological, basic, and clinical studies have revealed that heavy metals can promote the production of reactive oxygen species, which can then exacerbate reactive oxygen species generation and induce inflammation, resulting in endothelial dysfunction, lipid metabolism distribution, disruption of ion homeostasis, and epigenetic changes. Over time, heavy metal exposure eventually results in an increased risk of hypertension, arrhythmia, and atherosclerosis. Strengthening public health prevention and the application of chelation or antioxidants, such as vitamins and beta-carotene, along with minerals, such as selenium and zinc, can diminish the burden of cardiovascular disease attributable to metal exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ziwei Pan
- Key Laboratory of Combined Multi Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Public Health, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China (Z.P., P.L.)
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China (Z.P., P.L.)
| | - Tingyu Gong
- Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, China (T.G.)
| | - Ping Liang
- Key Laboratory of Combined Multi Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Public Health, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China (Z.P., P.L.)
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China (Z.P., P.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Nucera S, Serra M, Caminiti R, Ruga S, Passacatini LC, Macrì R, Scarano F, Maiuolo J, Bulotta R, Mollace R, Bosco F, Guarnieri L, Oppedisano F, Ilari S, Muscoli C, Palma E, Mollace V. Non-essential heavy metal effects in cardiovascular diseases: an overview of systematic reviews. Front Cardiovasc Med 2024; 11:1332339. [PMID: 38322770 PMCID: PMC10844381 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2024.1332339] [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: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the most important cause of premature death and disability worldwide. Environmental degradation and cardiovascular diseases are two keys to health challenges, characterized by a constant evolution in an industrialized world that exploits natural resources regardless of the consequences for health. The etiological risk factors of CVDs are widely known and include dyslipidemia, obesity, diabetes, and chronic cigarette consumption. However, one component that is often underestimated is exposure to heavy metals. The biological perspective explains that different metals play different roles. They are therefore classified into essential heavy metals, which are present in organisms where they perform important vital functions, especially in various physiological processes, or non-essential heavy metals, with a no biological role but, nonetheless, remain in the environment in which they are absorbed. Although both types of metal ions are many times chemically similar and can bind to the same biological ligands, the attention given today to nonessential metals in several eukaryotic species is starting to raise strong concerns due to an exponential increase in their concentrations. The aim of this systematic review was to assess possible correlations between exposure to nonessential heavy metals and increased incidence of cardiovascular disease, reporting the results of studies published in the last 5 years through March 2023. Methods The studies includes reviews retrieved from PubMed, Medline, Embase, and Web of Science databases, in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) statement and following the PICO (Population Intervention Comparison Outcome Population) framework. Results Eight reviews, including a total of 153 studies, were identified. Seven of these review enlighted the association between CVDs and non-essential heavy metals chronic exposure. Discussion It is evident that exposure to heavy metals represent a risk factor for CVDs onset. However, further studies are needed to better understand the effects caused by these metals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saverio Nucera
- Department of Health Sciences, Instituteof Research for Food Safety and Health (IRC-FSH), University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Maria Serra
- Department of Health Sciences, Instituteof Research for Food Safety and Health (IRC-FSH), University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Rosamaria Caminiti
- Department of Health Sciences, Instituteof Research for Food Safety and Health (IRC-FSH), University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Stefano Ruga
- Department of Health Sciences, Instituteof Research for Food Safety and Health (IRC-FSH), University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | | | - Roberta Macrì
- Department of Health Sciences, Instituteof Research for Food Safety and Health (IRC-FSH), University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Federica Scarano
- Department of Health Sciences, Instituteof Research for Food Safety and Health (IRC-FSH), University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Jessica Maiuolo
- Department of Health Sciences, Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Research for Food Safety and Health (IRC-FSH), University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Rosamaria Bulotta
- Department of Health Sciences, Instituteof Research for Food Safety and Health (IRC-FSH), University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Rocco Mollace
- Department of Systems Medicine, University “Tor Vergata” of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Bosco
- Science of Health Department, Section of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Lorenza Guarnieri
- Science of Health Department, Section of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Francesca Oppedisano
- Department of Health Sciences, Instituteof Research for Food Safety and Health (IRC-FSH), University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Sara Ilari
- Physiology and Pharmacology of Pain, IRCCS San Raffaele Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Carolina Muscoli
- Department of Health Sciences, Instituteof Research for Food Safety and Health (IRC-FSH), University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
- Physiology and Pharmacology of Pain, IRCCS San Raffaele Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Ernesto Palma
- Department of Health Sciences, Instituteof Research for Food Safety and Health (IRC-FSH), University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
- Department of Health Sciences, Veterinary Pharmacology Laboratory, Institute of Research for Food Safety and Health (IRC-FSH), University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Mollace
- Department of Health Sciences, Instituteof Research for Food Safety and Health (IRC-FSH), University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
- Renato Dulbecco Institute, Catanzaro, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
de Paiva EL, Ali S, Vasco ER, Alvito PC, de Oliveira CAF. Bioaccessibility data of potentially toxic elements in complementary foods for infants: A review. Food Res Int 2023; 174:113485. [PMID: 37986492 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2023.113485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
The introduction of complementary foods (CFs) is a critical step in an infant's transition to solid foods, providing essential nutrients beyond breast milk. However, CFs may contain potentially toxic elements (PTEs), such as arsenic and cadmium that pose health risks to infants. In this context, understanding the bioaccessibility of PTEs is vital as it determines the fraction of a contaminant released from the food matrix and available for absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. Efforts have been made to standardize the assessment methodology for bioaccessibility, ensuring consistent and reliable data. Moreover, regulatory agencies have established guidelines for PTEs levels in food. However, important gaps still exist, which motivates many research opportunities on this topic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Esther Lima de Paiva
- Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering - University of São Paulo (FZEA/USP), Rua Duque de Caxias, 13635-900 Pirassununga, SP, Brazil.
| | - Sher Ali
- Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering - University of São Paulo (FZEA/USP), Rua Duque de Caxias, 13635-900 Pirassununga, SP, Brazil
| | - Elsa Reis Vasco
- National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Avenida Padre Cruz, 1649-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Paula Cristina Alvito
- National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Avenida Padre Cruz, 1649-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Naija A, Yalcin HC. Evaluation of cadmium and mercury on cardiovascular and neurological systems: Effects on humans and fish. Toxicol Rep 2023; 10:498-508. [PMID: 37396852 PMCID: PMC10313869 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2023.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemicals are at the top of public health concerns and metals have received much attention in terms of toxicological studies. Cadmium (Cd) and mercury (Hg) are among the most toxic heavy metals and are widely distributed in the environment. They are considered important factors involved in several organ disturbances. Heart and brain tissues are not among the first exposure sites to Cd and Hg but they are directly affected and may manifest intoxication reactions leading to death. Many cases of human intoxication with Cd and Hg showed that these metals have potential cardiotoxic and neurotoxic effects. Human exposure to heavy metals is through fish consumption which is considered as an excellent source of human nutrients. In the current review, we will summarize the most known cases of human intoxication with Cd and Hg, highlight their toxic effects on fish, and investigate the common signal pathways of both Cd and Hg to affect heart and brain tissues. Also, we will present the most common biomarkers used in the assessment of cardiotoxicity and neurotoxicity using Zebrafish model.
Collapse
|
5
|
Risk assessment of heavy metals in tuna from Japanese restaurants in the Republic of Korea. Ann Occup Environ Med 2023; 35:e3. [PMID: 36925630 PMCID: PMC10011450 DOI: 10.35371/aoem.2023.35.e3] [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: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Studies on the risk of mercury (Hg) in Korean fishery products focus primarily on total Hg levels as opposed to methylmercury (MeHg) levels. None of the few studies on MeHg in tuna investigated tuna from Japanese restaurants. Few have evaluated lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) and arsenic (As) in tuna. Thus, this study aimed to conduct a risk assessment by evaluating heavy metal concentrations in tuna from Japanese restaurants. Methods Thirty-one tuna samples were collected from Japanese restaurants in the Republic of Korea. They were classified according to region and species. The concentration of heavy metals in the samples was analyzed using the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety Food Code method. The rate of exceedance of maximum residue levels (MRLs) and the risk compared to the provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) set by the Joint Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization Expert Committee on Food Additives (%PTWI) were evaluated for risk assessment. Results The mean of MeHg, Pb, Cd and As concentrations were 0.56 ± 1.47 mg/kg, 33.95 ± 3.74 μg/kg, 14.25 ± 2.19 μg/kg and 1.46 ± 1.89 mg/kg, respectively. No sample exceeded the MRLs of Pb and Cd, but 9.7% of the samples exceeded the MRL of MeHg. The %PTWIs of MeHg, Pb, Cd and As were 4.2037, 0.0162, 0.0244 and 1.1627, respectively. The %PTWI of MeHg by age group and sex was highest among men aged 19-29 years (10.6494), followed by men aged 30-49 years (7.2458) and women aged 19-29 years (4.8307). Conclusions We found that 3 out of 31 samples exceeded the MRL of MeHg. The %PTWI of MeHg showed significant differences based on age and sex, and the value was likely to exceed a safe level depending on individuals' eating behaviors. Therefore, improved risk management for MeHg is required.
Collapse
|
6
|
Ronchetti GZ, Simões MR, Schereider IRG, Leal MAS, Peçanha GAW, Padilha AS, Vassallo DV. Oxidative Stress Induced by 30 Days of Mercury Exposure Accelerates Hypertension Development in Prehypertensive Young SHRs. Cardiovasc Toxicol 2022; 22:929-939. [DOI: 10.1007/s12012-022-09769-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
|
7
|
Ronconi-Krüger N, Pinheiro J, Simioni C, Nazari EM. Methylmercury Toxicity During Heart Development: A Combined Analysis of Morphological and Functional Parameters. Cardiovasc Toxicol 2022; 22:962-970. [DOI: 10.1007/s12012-022-09772-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
|
8
|
Hair methylmercury levels are inversely correlated with arterial stiffness. Atherosclerosis 2022; 357:14-19. [PMID: 36037758 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2022.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Cardiovascular diseases (CVD), including coronary heart disease, are the leading cause of death worldwide. Several studies investigating the relationship between fish intake, methylmercury exposure, and CVDs in adults have reported inconsistent results. This study aimed to determine the association between hair methylmercury levels and arterial stiffness using brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV). METHODS This cross-sectional study included 891 seemingly healthy Korean adults (418 men and 473 women). The anthropometric and biochemical profiles, including methylmercury levels in the hair, were measured. Arterial stiffness was measured using baPWV, wherein high baPWV was defined as >1375 cm/s (>75th percentile). The odds ratios for high baPWVs were examined using multivariable logistic regression analysis after adjusting for potential confounders across the quintiles of hair methylmercury levels (Q1 = ≤0.6, Q2 = 0.6-0.8, Q3 = 0.8-1.1, Q4 = 1.1-1.5, and Q5=>1.5 μg/g). RESULTS After adjusting for multiple confounders-age, sex, height, body weight, smoking status, weekly alcohol consumption, total metabolic equivalent of task, mean arterial blood pressure, resting heart rate, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, fasting plasma glucose, uric acid and white blood cell count-the odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for high baPWVs in each quintile of hair methylmercury levels were 1.00, 0.36 (0.17-0.76), 0.38 (0.20-0.76), 0.28 (0.13-0.61), and 0.49 (0.24-0.99), respectively. CONCLUSIONS Within non-toxic low levels, higher hair methylmercury levels are independently associated with lower arterial stiffness in seemingly healthy Korean adults regardless of classical cardiovascular risk factors.
Collapse
|
9
|
Basu N, Abass K, Dietz R, Krümmel E, Rautio A, Weihe P. The impact of mercury contamination on human health in the Arctic: A state of the science review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 831:154793. [PMID: 35341859 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The 2021 Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP) Mercury (Hg) Assessment is motivated by Arctic populations, and most notably Indigenous Peoples in the region, who are particularly vulnerable to Hg pollution. The objective of this review paper is to answer the following AMAP policy-relevant question: what is the human health impact of Hg pollution in the Arctic? In doing so, this state of the science review paper builds on information published 10 years ago in the last AMAP Hg assessment. The synthesized results demonstrate that: a) global influences (e.g., sources and transport pathways, biogeochemical processes, climate change, globalization) drive Hg exposures into human communities; b) Hg exposures are realized through dietary intake of certain country food items, and that new exposure science approaches are helping to deepen understandings; c) the nutritional and cultural benefits of country foods are immense, though a dietary transition is underway raising concerns over metabolic syndrome and broader issues of food security as well as cultural and social well-being; d) blood Hg measures are among the highest worldwide based on the results of human biomonitoring studies; e) Hg exposures are associated with adverse health outcomes across life stages (e.g., neurodevelopmental outcomes in young children to cardiovascular disease in adults); and f) risk communication needs to be balanced, targeted and clear, culturally appropriate, and be done collaboratively. These synthesized findings are particularly timely and policy-relevant given that the Minamata Convention entered into legal force worldwide in 2017 as a regulatory scheme to reduce the use and environmental release of Hg in order to protect human health and the environment. The Convention was influenced by health concerns raised by northern populations as indicated in the preamble text which makes reference to "the particular vulnerabilities of Arctic ecosystems and Indigenous communities".
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Niladri Basu
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.
| | - Khaled Abass
- Arctic Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland; Department of Pesticides, Menoufia University, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - Rune Dietz
- Aarhus University, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Department of Ecoscience, P.O. Box 358, Frederiksbirgvej 399, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Eva Krümmel
- Inuit Circumpolar Council - Canada, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Arja Rautio
- Thule Institute and Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu and University of the Arctic, Oulu, Finland
| | - Pal Weihe
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Public Health, Sigmundargøta 5, 100 Tórshavn, Faroe Islands; Center of Health Science, University of The Faroe Islands, J.C. Svabosgøta 14, 100 Tórshavn, Faroe Islands
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Knott KK, Coleman E, Cianci-Gaskill JA, O'Hearn R, Niswonger D, Brockman JD, Argerich A, North R, Wenzel J. Mercury, selenium, and fatty acids in the axial muscle of largemouth bass: evaluating the influence of seasonal and sexual changes in fish condition and reproductive status. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 31:761-781. [PMID: 35438434 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-022-02544-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Largemouth bass (LMB, 265-475 mm) were collected to document whether changes in fish condition and reproductive status influenced the concentration of total mercury (Hg) and selenium (Se) in axial muscle by season and sex. The fatty acid (FA) composition of fish was also examined to describe seasonal and sexual differences and identify whether arachidonic acid (ARA) could be used as a biomarker of Hg toxicity. There was a trend for females to have lower (p < 0.062) Se concentrations than males. The concentration of Se for females during spring (mean ± SD, 686 ± 51 ng/g dw) was 15% lower than males (806 ± 67 ng/g dw). Lower Se concentrations in females than males continued through summer and fall. Concentration of Hg for females during spring (152 ± 39 ng/g ww) was also 59% lower than males (373 ± 303 ng/g ww), but the difference was not significant (p > 0.2). The percent of lipids was greatest in fall and winter (3%) and comprised primarily of omega-3 fatty acids (35 g/100 g lipid). Fish condition as measured by percent lipids and relative weight was negatively (p < 0.02) related to Hg concentration for females and males. Lipid content for both sexes was also positively (p < 0.05) related to the Se:Hg ratio. Relative weight was positively related to the Se:Hg ratio for females during all seasons (p = 0.014), but only during spring and summer for males (p < 0.007). A low Se:Hg value was associated with an elevation in ARA for both sexes and a reduced hepatosomatic index in males. Data suggested that females transferred muscle stores of Se and Hg to developing oocytes during spring. This study generates hypotheses regarding the physiological drivers of seasonal and sexual variability in Hg, Se, and FA in LMB that may be applicable to other species and have implications for fisheries health and management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katrina K Knott
- Missouri Department of Conservation, Ecological Health Unit, Science Branch, Columbia, MO, USA.
| | - Emma Coleman
- Missouri Department of Conservation, Ecological Health Unit, Science Branch, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Jacob A Cianci-Gaskill
- School of Natural Resources, Anheuser‑Bush Natural Resources Building, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Rebecca O'Hearn
- Missouri Department of Conservation, Ecological Health Unit, Science Branch, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Darby Niswonger
- Missouri Department of Conservation, Central Region, Regional Resource Management Branch, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - John D Brockman
- University of Missouri Research Reactor Center, 1513 Research Park Drive, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Alba Argerich
- School of Natural Resources, Anheuser‑Bush Natural Resources Building, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Rebecca North
- School of Natural Resources, Anheuser‑Bush Natural Resources Building, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Jeff Wenzel
- Division of Community and Public Health, Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Bureau of Environmental Epidemiology, Jefferson City, MO, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Yalçin SS, Erdal İ, Oğuz B, Duzova A. Associations between toxic elements and blood pressure parameters in adolescents. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2022; 71:126949. [PMID: 35193093 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2022.126949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Both exposure to toxic elements and hypertension (HT) are a global health problem. We planned to examine the associations between some toxic elements in urine, and blood pressure (BP) and its diurnal changes in adolescents. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, 48 adolescents who were newly diagnosed with HT and 38 adolescents with age-appropriate BP and normal physical examination were included. Anthropometric measurements, urinary toxic elements, carotid intima media thickness (cIMT), and office and 24-hour ambulatory BP measurements (ABPM) of participants were taken. Urinary elements levels were studied with ICP-MS. Elements were grouped in tertiles according to urinary levels. Logistic regression analyses were performed to show the interactions. RESULTS Urinary cadmium, mercury, lead, and arsenic were found to be at detectable level in 90.7%, 69.8%, 91.9% and 100% of the participants, respectively. Univariate analyses showed that elevated daytime systolic and/or diastolic BP was associated with urinary cadmium and mercury. No association between urinary toxic elements and nighttime BP was found. When height and body mass index z-scores adjusted for, age, gender, and all four urinary creatinine-corrected toxic elements analyzed, multiple logistic regression revealed that there was an association between mercury (high vs. low; AOR:3.85) and office HT, and mercury (high vs. low; AOR:6.18) and cadmium (middle vs. low; AOR: 13.38) were associated with "elevated 24-hour systolic BP and/or diastolic BP", and "elevated 24-hour mean arterial BP" in ABPM. CONCLUSION There are complex relationships between toxic elements and BP parameters in adolescents, and more studies are needed to define the evolution of these relations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Siddika Songül Yalçin
- Division of Social Pediatrics, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - İzzet Erdal
- Division of Social Pediatrics, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Berna Oğuz
- Department of Radiology, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Ali Duzova
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Philibert A, Fillion M, Da Silva J, Lena TS, Mergler D. Past mercury exposure and current symptoms of nervous system dysfunction in adults of a First Nation community (Canada). Environ Health 2022; 21:34. [PMID: 35292021 PMCID: PMC8925187 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-022-00838-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The watershed in Asubpeeschoseewagong Netum Anishinabek (Grassy Narrows First Nation) territory has been contaminated by mercury (Hg) since 1962, resulting in very high Hg concentrations in fish, central to the community's culture, traditions, economy and diet. Biomarkers of Hg exposure (umbilical cord blood and hair/blood samples), monitored between 1970 and 1997, decreased over time. A recent Grassy Narrows Community Health Assessment (GN-CHA) survey included current symptoms of nervous system dysfunction. The present study aimed to cluster self-reported symptoms and examine their associations with past Hg exposure. METHODS The GN-CHA included 391 adults. Symptom clustering used a two-step segmentation approach. Umbilical cord Hg and/or yearly measurements of equivalent hair Hg were available for 242 participants. Structural Equation Models (SEM) displayed the associations between Hg exposure and clusters, with Hg exposure modelled as a latent variable or in separate variables (prenatal, childhood and having had hair Hg ≥ 5 μg/g at least once over the sampling period). Longitudinal Mixed Effects Models (LMEM) served to examine past hair Hg with respect to clusters. RESULTS A total of 37 symptoms bonded into 6 clusters, representing Extrapyramidal impairment, Sensory impairment, Cranial nerve disturbances, Gross motor impairment, Neuro-cognitive deficits and Affect/Mood disorders. Median Hg concentrations were 5 μg/L (1-78.5) and 1.1 μg/g (0.2-16) for umbilical cord and childhood hair, respectively. More than one-third (36.6%) had hair Hg ≥ 5 μg/g at least once. In SEM, latent Hg was directly associated with Extrapyramidal and Sensory impairment, Cranial nerve disturbances and Affect/Mood disorders. Direct associations were observed for prenatal exposure with Affect/Mood disorders, for childhood exposure with Extrapyramidal impairment and Cranial nerve disturbances, and for hair Hg ≥ 5 μg/g with Extrapyramidal and Sensory impairment. For all clusters, a further association between past Hg exposure and symptom clusters was mediated by diagnosed nervous system disorders. LMEM showed higher past hair Hg among those with higher scores for all clusters, except Affect/Mood disorders. CONCLUSION Our findings provide evidence that in this First Nation community, past Hg exposure from fish consumption was associated with later-life clusters of coexisting symptoms of nervous system dysfunction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aline Philibert
- Université du Québec à Montréal, Centre de recherche interdisciplinaire sur le bien-être, la santé, la société et l'environnement (Cinbiose), CP 8888, Succ. Centreville, Montréal, Québec, H3C 3P8, Canada
| | - Myriam Fillion
- Université du Québec à Montréal, Centre de recherche interdisciplinaire sur le bien-être, la santé, la société et l'environnement (Cinbiose), CP 8888, Succ. Centreville, Montréal, Québec, H3C 3P8, Canada
- Département Science et Technologie, Université TÉLUQ, 5800 Saint Denis St, Montréal, Québec, H2S 3L4, Canada
| | - Judy Da Silva
- Grassy Narrows First Nation, General Delivery, P0X 1B0, Grassy Narrows, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Donna Mergler
- Université du Québec à Montréal, Centre de recherche interdisciplinaire sur le bien-être, la santé, la société et l'environnement (Cinbiose), CP 8888, Succ. Centreville, Montréal, Québec, H3C 3P8, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Nishimura A, Tanaka T, Kato Y, Nishiyama K, Nishida M. Cardiac robustness regulated by reactive sulfur species. J Clin Biochem Nutr 2022; 70:1-6. [PMID: 35068674 PMCID: PMC8764107 DOI: 10.3164/jcbn.21-84] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The human myocardium contains robust cells that constantly beat from birth to death without being replaced, even when exposed to various environmental stresses. Myocardial robustness is thought to depend primarily on the strength of the reducing power to protect the heart from oxidative stress. Myocardial antioxidant systems are controlled by redox reactions, primarily via the redox reaction of Cys sulfhydryl groups, such as found in thioredoxin and glutathione. However, the specific molecular entities that regulate myocardial reducing power have long been debated. Recently, reactive sulfide species, with excellent electron transfer ability, consisting of a series of multiple sulfur atoms, i.e., Cys persulfide and Cys polysulfides, have been found to play an essential role in maintaining mitochondrial quality and function, as well as myocardial robustness. This review presents the latest findings on the molecular mechanisms underlying mitochondrial energy metabolism and the maintenance of quality control by reactive sulfide species and provides a new insight for the prevention of chronic heart failure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Akiyuki Nishimura
- National Institute for Physiological Sciences (NIPS), National Institutes of Natural Sciences
| | - Tomohiro Tanaka
- Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems (ExCELLS), National Institutes of Natural Sciences
| | - Yuri Kato
- Department of Physiology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University
| | - Kazuhiro Nishiyama
- Department of Physiology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University
| | - Motohiro Nishida
- National Institute for Physiological Sciences (NIPS), National Institutes of Natural Sciences
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Sun Y, Liu B, Rong S, Zhang J, Du Y, Xu G, Snetselaar LG, Wallace RB, Lehmler HJ, Bao W. Association of Seafood Consumption and Mercury Exposure With Cardiovascular and All-Cause Mortality Among US Adults. JAMA Netw Open 2021; 4:e2136367. [PMID: 34842923 PMCID: PMC8630568 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.36367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Although seafood is known to contain heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, many people choose to limit their seafood consumption because of fear of mercury exposure from seafood. It is imperative to clarify the potential health effects of current mercury exposure in contemporary populations. OBJECTIVE To examine the association of seafood consumption and mercury exposure with all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD)-related mortality in the US general population. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This prospective cohort study included adults 20 years or older who participated in the 2003 to 2012 cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey; data were linked to mortality records through December 31, 2015. Data analysis was performed from January to March 10, 2021. EXPOSURES Seafood consumption was assessed through two 24-hour dietary recalls, and mercury exposure was assessed by blood mercury levels. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES All-cause and CVD-related mortality. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs of mortality associated with usual seafood consumption and blood mercury concentration quartiles. RESULTS This study included 17 294 participants (mean [SD] age, 45.9 [17.1] years; 9217 [53.3%] female) with a mean (SD) blood mercury concentration of 1.62 (2.46) μg/L. During 131 276 person-years of follow-up, 1076 deaths occurred, including 181 deaths from CVD. The multivariable-adjusted HR for an increase in seafood consumption of 1 oz equivalent per day and all-cause mortality was 0.84 (95% CI, 0.66-1.07) and for CVD-related mortality was 0.89 (95% CI, 0.54-1.47). Blood mercury level was not associated with all-cause or CVD-related mortality. Comparing the highest with the lowest quartile of blood mercury concentration, the multivariable-adjusted HRs were 0.82 (95% CI, 0.66-1.05) for all-cause mortality and 0.90 (95% CI, 0.53-1.52) for CVD-related mortality. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this cohort study of US adults, seafood consumption and mercury exposure with the current seafood consumption level were not significantly associated with the risk of all-cause or CVD-related mortality. These findings may inform future public health guidelines regarding mercury exposure, seafood consumption, and cardiovascular health promotion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yangbo Sun
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City
| | - Buyun Liu
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City
| | - Shuang Rong
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Medical College, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Yang Du
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City
| | - Guifeng Xu
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City
| | - Linda G. Snetselaar
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City
| | - Robert B. Wallace
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City
| | - Hans-Joachim Lehmler
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City
| | - Wei Bao
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City
- Obesity Research and Education Initiative, University of Iowa, Iowa City
- Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City
- Now with Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Yin L, Lin S, Summers AO, Roper V, Campen MJ, Yu X. Children with Amalgam Dental Restorations Have Significantly Elevated Blood and Urine Mercury Levels. Toxicol Sci 2021; 184:104-126. [PMID: 34453845 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfab108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Human exposure to organic mercury (Hg) as methylmercury (MeHg) from seafood consumption is widely considered a health risk because pure methylmercury is extremely neurotoxic. In contrast, the clinical significance of Hg exposure from amalgam (AMG) dental restorations, the only other major nonoccupational source of Hg exposure, has long been debated. Here, we examined data from the two most recent National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) on 14 181 subjects to assess the contributions of seafood consumption versus AMG to blood total mercury (THg), inorganic mercury (IHg), and methyl mercury (MeHg) and to urine creatinine corrected mercury (UTHg). All subjects were also classified as to their self-reported qualitative consumption of seafood (59% fish and 44% shellfish). Subjects with restorations were grouped into three groups (0) those without AMG (64.4%), (1) those with 1-5 dental AMG restorations (19.7%), (2) those with more than five AMG (16%). Seafood consumption increased total mercury in urine (UTHg) and total mercury (THg) and methyl mercury (MeHg) in blood, but unlike AMG, seafood did not increase blood inorganic mercury (IHg). Using stratified covariate (ANOVA) and multivariate (GLM) analyses revealed a strong correlation of blood (THg and IHg) and urine (UTHg) levels with the number of AMGs. In a subpopulation without fish consumption, having more than five AMG restorations raised blood THg (103%), IHg (221%), and urine UTHg (221%) over the group without AMG. The most striking difference was noted in classification by age: subjects under 6 years old with more than five AMG restorations had the highest blood IHg and urine UTHg among all age groups. Elevation of bivalent IHg on a large scale in children warrants urgent in-depth risk assessment with specific attention to genetic- and gender-associated vulnerabilities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Yin
- Reprotox Biotech, Science & Technology Park, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Simon Lin
- The Center for Pediatric Dentistry, University of Washington, WA, USA
| | - Anne O Summers
- Department of Microbiology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Van Roper
- College of Nursing, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Matthew J Campen
- College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico College of Nursing, NM, USA
| | - Xiaozhong Yu
- College of Nursing, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Chan PHY, Kwok KM, Chan MHM, Li AM, Chan IHS, Fok TF, Lam HS. Prenatal methylmercury exposure is associated with decrease heart rate variability in children. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 200:111744. [PMID: 34310966 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although several epidemiological studies have suggested mercury (Hg) might be associated with cardiotoxicity, the impact of Hg exposure on cardiac autonomic activity and blood pressure in children has not been investigated at Hg exposure levels equivalent to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reference dose. OBJECTIVE To investigate the association between low dose prenatal and recent methylmercury (MeHg) exposures and cardiac autonomic function and blood pressure with adjustment for factors such as fish consumption among children from a high fish consumption coastal city. METHODS Children aged 7-8 years were recruited from the birth cohort of our previous study. Heart rate variability (HRV), resting heart rate (RHR) and blood pressure were measured as surrogate markers of cardiac autonomic function. Cord blood and current whole blood Hg concentration were used as biomarkers of prenatal and recent MeHg exposure, respectively. Recent fish consumption information was estimated with a food frequency questionnaire. RESULTS Among 604 children, median cord blood and whole blood Hg concentrations were 45.9 nmol/L (IQR: 32.8-65.03 nmol/L) and 13.57 nmol/L (IQR: 9.29-19.72 nmol/L), respectively. Our results demonstrated that prenatal MeHg exposure was associated with decreased HRV (i.e. low CVRR, SDRR, and RMSSD), reflecting reduced parasympathetic activity (i.e. low CCVHF and HF), and a sympathovagal balance shift toward sympathetic predominance (i.e. high %LF and LF/HF ratio). Adjustment of recent fish consumption further increased the significance and magnitude of the adverse associations of MeHg. CONCLUSION The results of this study suggest that prenatal MeHg exposure is associated with decreased parasympathetic modulation of cardiac autonomic function in children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peggy Hiu Ying Chan
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Brain and Mind Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Ka Ming Kwok
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Michael Ho Ming Chan
- Department of Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Albert Martin Li
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Iris Hiu Shuen Chan
- Department of Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Tai Fai Fok
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Hugh Simon Lam
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Adlard B, Lemire M, Bonefeld-Jørgensen EC, Long M, Ólafsdóttir K, Odland JO, Rautio A, Myllynen P, Sandanger TM, Dudarev AA, Bergdahl IA, Wennberg M, Berner J, Ayotte P. MercuNorth - monitoring mercury in pregnant women from the Arctic as a baseline to assess the effectiveness of the Minamata Convention. Int J Circumpolar Health 2021; 80:1881345. [PMID: 34080521 PMCID: PMC8183506 DOI: 10.1080/22423982.2021.1881345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Exposure to mercury (Hg) is a global concern, particularly among Arctic populations that rely on the consumption of marine mammals and fish which are the main route of Hg exposure for Arctic populations.The MercuNorth project was created to establish baseline Hg levels across several Arctic regions during the period preceding the Minamata Convention. Blood samples were collected from 669 pregnant women, aged 18-44 years, between 2010 and 2016 from sites across the circumpolar Arctic including Alaska (USA), Nunavik (Canada), Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Northern Lapland (Finland) and Murmansk Oblast (Russia). Descriptive statistics were calculated, multiple pairwise comparisons were made between regions, and unadjusted linear trend analyses were performed.Geometric mean concentrations of total Hg were highest in Nunavik (5.20 µg/L) and Greenland (3.79 µg/L), followed by Alaska (2.13 µg/L), with much lower concentrations observed in the other regions (ranged between 0.48 and 1.29 µg/L). In Nunavik, Alaska and Greenland, blood Hg concentrations have decreased significantly since 1992, 2000 and 2010 respectively with % annual decreases of 4.7%, 7.5% and 2.7%, respectively.These circumpolar data combined with fish and marine mammal consumption data can be used for assessing long-term Hg trends and the effectiveness of the Minamata Convention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bryan Adlard
- Population Studies Division, Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Mélanie Lemire
- Axe Santé Des Populations Et Pratiques Optimales En Santé, Centre De Recherche Du CHU De Québec, Québec, QC, Canada.,Département De Médecine Sociale Et Préventive, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Eva C Bonefeld-Jørgensen
- Center for Arctic Health & Molecular Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark.,Greenland Center for Health Research, University of Greenland, Nuuk, Greenland
| | - Manhai Long
- Center for Arctic Health & Molecular Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Kristín Ólafsdóttir
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Jon O Odland
- Institute of Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway.,International Research Laboratory for Reproductive Ecotoxicology (IL RET), The National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow, Russia
| | - Arja Rautio
- Thule Institute and Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu and University of Arctic, Oulu, Finland
| | - Päivi Myllynen
- Northern Finland Laboratory Centre Nordlab, Northern Finland Laboratory Centre Nordlab, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Torkjel M Sandanger
- Environmental Chemistry Department, NILU-Norwegian Institute for Air Research, the Fram Centre, Tromsø, Norway.,Department of Community Medicine, UiT-The Arctic University of Norway, Tromso, Norway
| | - Alexey A Dudarev
- Department of Arctic Environmental Health, Northwest Public Health Research Center, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Ingvar A Bergdahl
- Section of Sustainable Health, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Maria Wennberg
- Section of Sustainable Health, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - James Berner
- Department of Environment and Health, Division of Community Health, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, Alaska, USA
| | - Pierre Ayotte
- Axe Santé Des Populations Et Pratiques Optimales En Santé, Centre De Recherche Du CHU De Québec, Québec, QC, Canada.,Département De Médecine Sociale Et Préventive, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.,Centre De Toxicologie, Institut National De Santé Publique Du Québec, Québec, QC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Salcedo-Bellido I, Gutiérrez-González E, García-Esquinas E, Fernández de Larrea-Baz N, Navas-Acien A, Téllez-Plaza M, Pastor-Barriuso R, Lope V, Gómez-Ariza JL, García-Barrera T, Pollán M, Jiménez Moleón JJ, Pérez-Gómez B. Toxic metals in toenails as biomarkers of exposure: A review. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 197:111028. [PMID: 33753073 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Toenails have been used as biomarkers of exposure to toxic metals, but their validity for this purpose is not yet clear and might differ depending on the specific agent. To evaluate this issue, we reviewed the literature on: a) the time-window of exposure reflected by toenails; b) the reproducibility of toenail toxic-metal levels in repeated measures over time; c) their relationship with other biomarkers of exposure, and; d) their association with potential determinants (i.e. sociodemographic, anthropometric, or lifestyle characteristics) or with sources of exposure like diet or environmental pollution. Thus, we performed a systematic review, searching for articles that provided original data for levels of any of the following toxic metals in toenails: aluminum, beryllium, cadmium, chromium, mercury, nickel, lead, thallium and uranium. We identified 88 articles, reporting data from 67 different research projects, which were quite heterogeneous with regard to population profile, sample size and analytical technique. The most commonly studied metal was mercury. Concerning the time-window of exposure explored by toenails, some reports indicate that toenail cadmium, nickel and lead may reflect exposures that occurred 7-12 months before sampling. For repeated samples obtained 1-6 years apart, the range of intraindividual correlation coefficients of aluminum, chromium and mercury was 0.33-0.56. The correlation of toxic metal concentrations between toenails and other matrices was higher for hair and fingernails than for urine or blood. Mercury levels were consistently associated with fish intake, while other toxic metals were occasionally associated with specific sources (e.g. drinking water, place of residence, environmental pollution, and occupation). The most frequently evaluated health endpoints were cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and central nervous system diseases. Available data suggest that toenail mercury levels reflected long-term exposures and showed positive associations with fish intake. The lack of standardization in sample collection, quality control, analytical techniques and procedures - along with the heterogeneity and conflicting results among studies - mean it is still difficult to conclude that toenails are a good biomarker of exposure to toxic metals. Further studies are needed to draw solid conclusions about the suitability of toenails as biomarkers of exposure to toxic metals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Inmaculada Salcedo-Bellido
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Granada, Av. de La Investigación, 11, 18016, Granada, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs. GRANADA, Spain; Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública - CIBERESP), Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Enrique Gutiérrez-González
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública - CIBERESP), Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain; Public Health & Preventive Medicine Teaching Unit, National School of Public Health, Carlos III Institute of Health, Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain; Spanish Agency of Food Safety and Nutrition, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Alcalá, 56, 28014, Madrid, Spain
| | - Esther García-Esquinas
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública - CIBERESP), Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain; Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, C/ Arzobispo Morcillo 4, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nerea Fernández de Larrea-Baz
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública - CIBERESP), Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain; Department of Epidemiology of Chronic Diseases, National Centre for Epidemiology, Carlos III Institute of Health, Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Navas-Acien
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, 722 W 168th St, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - María Téllez-Plaza
- Department of Epidemiology of Chronic Diseases, National Centre for Epidemiology, Carlos III Institute of Health, Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Roberto Pastor-Barriuso
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública - CIBERESP), Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain; Department of Epidemiology of Chronic Diseases, National Centre for Epidemiology, Carlos III Institute of Health, Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Virginia Lope
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública - CIBERESP), Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain; Department of Epidemiology of Chronic Diseases, National Centre for Epidemiology, Carlos III Institute of Health, Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - José Luis Gómez-Ariza
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Campus El Carmen, University of Huelva, Fuerzas Armadas, Ave., 21007, Huelva, Spain; Research Center for Natural Resources, Health and the Environment, University of Huelva, Spain
| | - Tamara García-Barrera
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Campus El Carmen, University of Huelva, Fuerzas Armadas, Ave., 21007, Huelva, Spain; Research Center for Natural Resources, Health and the Environment, University of Huelva, Spain
| | - Marina Pollán
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública - CIBERESP), Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain; Department of Epidemiology of Chronic Diseases, National Centre for Epidemiology, Carlos III Institute of Health, Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - José Juan Jiménez Moleón
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Granada, Av. de La Investigación, 11, 18016, Granada, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs. GRANADA, Spain; Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública - CIBERESP), Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Beatriz Pérez-Gómez
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública - CIBERESP), Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain; Public Health & Preventive Medicine Teaching Unit, National School of Public Health, Carlos III Institute of Health, Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain; Department of Epidemiology of Chronic Diseases, National Centre for Epidemiology, Carlos III Institute of Health, Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Khan EA, Abbas Z. A scoping review of sources of mercury and its health effects among Pakistan's most vulnerable population. REVIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2021; 36:39-45. [PMID: 32822319 DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2019-0099] [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: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Mercury and methyl mercury are poisonous to human body. In the recent times, exposure to mercury has been anthropogenic in nature. Within the past several decades, many incidences of mercury poisoning have been documented in several countries including Pakistan. Mercury has been ingested where it has been used to preserve crops, through the point and non-point source discharge into the surface water, and consequently entering the food chain. We conducted this scoping review of mercury and its health effects in Pakistan in order to raise the flag to a silent ongoing Minamata disease in the country. We conducted a systematic search of the available literature in Google Scholar, PubMed, and grey literature of unpublished theses and reports of various universities across the country. We found that in the northern Pakistan, suspended sediments were the major pathway of the riverine mercury transport. Sediments of Hunza and Gilgit River were found high in mercury concentrations. Gold mining leads to an increase in mercury concentration in soil and river waters flowing in this region. High concentrations up to 108 ng/L were found in Shimsal River. It is suspected that that high level of mercury transport may be leading to accumulation of mercury in major water bodies and lakes downstream. Occupational exposure to mercury and other heavy metals is common in an unregulated private sector of the country. Goldsmiths burn the amalgamated gold without personal protective measures. Direct exposure to the fumes of mercury leads to respiratory, dermatological, systemic and neurological ailments specific to mercury poisoning. We found good evidence of bioaccumulation of mercury in fish and fish products in Pakistan. The untreated waste water discharge is responsible to not only afflicted the fish but also the birds which feed on this fish. Further, the same untreated waste water from factories and agriculture runoffs affect vegetables grown in it. Studies looking at the biomarkers for mercury in humans have shown increased and even toxic levels of mercury among the most vulnerable populations of the country. Other sources of mercury exposure included mercury in traditional medicines and cigarette products. Though no evidence was found for its presence in drinking water, its existence in the food chain and occupational exposure pose great threat to the humans as well as animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Zaigham Abbas
- Deputy Director Chemical, Ministry of Climate Change, Islamabad, Pakistan
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Herrera JAR, Thomsen ST, Jakobsen LS, Fagt S, Banasik K, Izarzugaza JM, Brunak S, Pires SM. The burden of disease of three food-associated heavy metals in clusters in the Danish population - Towards targeted public health strategies. Food Chem Toxicol 2021; 150:112072. [PMID: 33610621 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2021.112072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Lifestyle and sociodemographics are likely to influence dietary patterns, and, as a result, human exposure to chemical contaminants in foods and their associated health impact. We aimed to characterize subgroups of the Danish population based on diet and sociodemographic indicators, and identify those bearing a higher disease burden due to exposure to methylmercury (MeHg), cadmium (Cd) and inorganic arsenic (i-As). We collected dietary, lifestyle, and sociodemographic data on the occurrence of chemical contaminants in foods from Danish surveys. We grouped participants according to similarities in diet, lifestyle, and sociodemographics using Self-Organizing Maps (SOM), and estimated disease burden in disability-adjusted life years (DALY). SOM clustering resulted in 12 population groups with distinct characteristics. Exposure to contaminants varied between clusters and was largely driven by intake of fish, seafood and cereal products. Five clusters had an estimated annual burden >20 DALY/100,000. The cluster with the highest burden had a high proportion of women of childbearing age, with most of the burden attributed to MeHg. Individuals belonging to the top three clusters had higher education and physical activity, were mainly non-smokers and lived in urban areas. Our findings may facilitate the development of preventive strategies targeted to the most affected subgroups.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jose Alejandro Romero Herrera
- Translational Disease Systems Biology Group - Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sofie Theresa Thomsen
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Denmark
| | - Lea Sletting Jakobsen
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Denmark
| | - Sisse Fagt
- Division of Risk Assessment and Nutrition, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Denmark
| | - Karina Banasik
- Translational Disease Systems Biology Group - Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jose Mg Izarzugaza
- Integrative Systems Biology Group, Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Denmark
| | - Søren Brunak
- Translational Disease Systems Biology Group - Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sara M Pires
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Denmark.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Liu J, Portnoy J, Um P, Cui N, Rudo-Hutt A, Yan C, Raine A, Chen A. Blood lead and mercury levels are associated with low resting heart rate in community adolescent boys. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2021; 233:113685. [PMID: 33556713 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2020.113685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
While the neurotoxic effects of heavy metals at even low levels have been well-studied, few studies have examined the cardiovascular effects of heavy metals on resting heart rate and these have focused on adult populations. The present study aimed to examine the association between low-level environmental lead and mercury exposure and resting heart rate in community adolescents. As part of the China Jintan Cohort Study, 532 adolescents aged 12 years (SD = 0.6) were tested for blood levels of lead (BLL) and mercury (BML) and resting heart rate (RHR). Generalized linear models were conducted to test the relationship between BLL and BML and RHR, controlling for children's sex, age, and socioeconomic status. Analyses were clustered at the preschool level when the children were recruited to adjust for standard error. The mean (SD) BLL and BML were 3.14 (SD = 1.19) μg/dL and 1.26 (SD = 0.68) μg/L at age 12 years, respectively. After adjusting for confounders, we found a significant interaction between BML and BLL in predicting RHR in boys (B = -1.27, SE = 0.49, p < 0.01, n = 289). We created BLL and BML groups in boys based on median cut-offs. Boys in the High BLL/High BML group had significantly lower RHR (mean = 84.22 beats per minute [bpm], SD = 8.77, n = 61) than boys in the Low BLL/Low BML group (mean = 89.03 bpm, SD = 10.75, n = 69; p < 0.05). BML and BLL did not interact to predict RHR in girls (B = -0.18, SE = 0.88, p > 0.05, n = 242). Combined high BLL and BML were associated with low RHR in community adolescent boys. Low RHR is an indication of chronic under-arousal and has been implicated in psychopathology, particularly for externalizing behavior. Our findings may stimulate further communication and research in this area.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianghong Liu
- University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Jill Portnoy
- University of Massachusetts Lowell, School of Criminology and Justice Studies, Lowell, MA, USA
| | - Phoebe Um
- University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Naixue Cui
- Shandong University, School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Shandong Province, China
| | - Anna Rudo-Hutt
- University of Pennsylvania, School of Arts and Sciences, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Chonghai Yan
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Adrian Raine
- University of Pennsylvania, Departments of Criminology, Psychiatry, and Psychology, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Aimin Chen
- University of Pennsylvania, Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Hu XF, Lowe M, Chan HM. Mercury exposure, cardiovascular disease, and mortality: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 193:110538. [PMID: 33285155 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is evidence that exposure to mercury (Hg) may be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). OBJECTIVE To conduct a systematic review of published studies and a meta-analysis of the results to examine the associations between chronic Hg exposure and CVD outcomes. METHODS We searched PubMed, Embase, and TOXLINE using previously developed strategies. Studies were selected according to a priori-defined inclusion criteria, and their qualities were assessed. Study estimates were extracted, and subgroup analyses were conducted to explore potential sources of heterogeneity: 1) fatal vs. nonfatal events, 2) cohort study vs. non-cohort study, and 3) inorganic Hg vs. methyl mercury (MeHg). Dose-response meta-analyses were conducted for MeHg exposure and fatal/nonfatal ischemic heart disease (IHD), stroke, and all CVD. RESULTS A total of 14 studies reporting results collected from more than 34,000 participants in 17 countries were included in the meta-analysis. Hg exposure was associated with an increase in nonfatal IHD (relative risk (RR): 1.21 (0.98, 1.50)), all-cause mortality (RR: 1.21 (0.90, 1.62)), CVD mortality (RR: 1.68 (1.15, 2.45)), and mortality due to other heart diseases (RR: 1.50 (1.07, 2.11)). No association was observed between Hg exposure and stroke. A heterogeneous relationship was found between studies reporting fatal and nonfatal outcomes and between cohort and non-cohort studies. However, these differences were mainly due to differences in Hg exposure level. Occupational inorganic Hg exposure was associated with similar increases in different mortality outcomes. A J-shaped relationship between Hg exposure and different fatal/nonfatal outcomes was observed, with turning points at hair Hg concentrations of 1 μg/g for IHD and 2 μg/g for stroke and all CVD. CONCLUSION Chronic exposure to Hg was associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality and fatal/nonfatal IHD. The risk of multiple cardiovascular endpoints starts to increase consistently at a hair Hg concentration of 2 μg/g.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xue Feng Hu
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa (XFH, ML, HMC), Canada
| | - Mackenzie Lowe
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa (XFH, ML, HMC), Canada
| | - Hing Man Chan
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa (XFH, ML, HMC), Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Martins AC, Santos AAD, Lopes ACBA, Skalny AV, Aschner M, Tinkov AA, Paoliello MMB. Endothelial Dysfunction Induced by Cadmium and Mercury and its Relationship to Hypertension. Curr Hypertens Rev 2021; 17:14-26. [PMID: 33475076 DOI: 10.2174/1573402117666210121102405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Hypertension is an important public health concern that affects millions globally, leading to a large number of morbidities and fatalities. The etiology of hypertension is complex and multifactorial, and it involves environmental factors, including heavy metals. Cadmium and mercury are toxic elements commonly found in the environment, contributing to hypertension. We aimed to assess the role of cadmium and mercury-induced endothelial dysfunction in the development of hypertension. A narrative review was carried out through database searches. In this review, we discussed the critical roles of cadmium and mercury in the etiology of hypertension and provided new insights into potential mechanisms of their effect, focusing primarily on endothelial dysfunction. Although the mechanisms by which cadmium and mercury induce hypertension have yet to be completely elucidated, evidence for both implicates impaired nitric oxide signaling in their hypertensive etiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Airton C Martins
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, United States
| | - Alessanda A D Santos
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, United States
| | - Ana C B A Lopes
- Graduate Program in Public Health, Center of Health Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Brazil
| | - Anatoly V Skalny
- Medical Elementology, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, United States
| | - Alexey A Tinkov
- Medical Elementology, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Monica M B Paoliello
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, United States
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Di Ciaula A. Bioaccumulation of Toxic Metals in Children Exposed to Urban Pollution and to Cement Plant Emissions. EXPOSURE AND HEALTH 2021; 13:681-695. [PMID: 34189342 PMCID: PMC8229267 DOI: 10.1007/s12403-021-00412-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cement plants located in urban areas can increase health risk. Although children are particularly vulnerable, biomonitoring studies are lacking. Toenail concentration of 24 metals was measured in 366 children (6-10 years), who live and attend school in a city hosting a cement plant. Living addresses and schools were geocoded and attributed to exposed or control areas, according to modeled ground concentrations of PM10 generated by the cement plant. Air levels of PM10 and NO2 were monitored. PM10 levels were higher in the exposed, than in the control area. The highest mean PM10 concentration was recorded close to the cement plant. Conversely, the highest NO2 concentration was in the control area, where vehicular traffic and home heating were the prevalent sources of pollutants. Exposed children had higher concentrations of Nickel (Ni), Cadmium (Cd), Mercury (Hg), and Arsenic (As) than controls. These concentrations correlated each other, indicating a common source. Toenail Barium (Ba) concentration was higher in the control- than in the exposed area. The location of the attended school was a predictor of Cd, Hg, Ni, Ba concentrations, after adjusting for confounders. In conclusion, children living and attending school in an urban area exposed to cement plant emissions show a chronic bioaccumulation of toxic metals, and a significant exposure to PM10 pollution. Cement plants located in populous urban areas seem therefore harmful, and primary prevention policies to protect children health are needed.
Collapse
|
25
|
Paul KC, Debes F, Eliasen E, Weihe P, Petersen MS. Incidence, gender influence, and neuropsychological predictors of all cause dementia in the Faroe Islands-the Faroese Septuagenarian cohort. Aging Clin Exp Res 2021; 33:105-114. [PMID: 32207093 PMCID: PMC7508821 DOI: 10.1007/s40520-020-01520-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Using the Faroese Septuagenarian cohort, we aimed to describe the incidence of dementia and assess the validity of neurocognitive tests to predict subsequent dementia diagnosis. METHODS In this population-based cohort, 713 Faroese septuagenarians aged 70-74 years without dementia, underwent clinical and neuropsychological examinations. After 10-years of follow-up, information was collected on all participants referred for cognitive evaluations and diagnosed with dementia. Incidence rates were calculated and presented with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), assuming a Poisson distribution. We then performed discriminant analysis to determine the best set of neuropsychological tests to identify those who would develop dementia. RESULTS Over the 10-years, 65 participants (9.1%) were diagnosed with dementia, with a 10-year incidence rate of 1063 cases per 100,000 person years (95% CI 825, 1343). Women had a greater incidence than men (incidence rate ratio (IRR) = 1.58; 95% CI 0.93, 2.71). After stepwise selection, gender and six neuropsychological measures were selected to discriminate between those who would and would not develop dementia. Overall, the model was able to correctly identify 82% of those who would not develop dementia (specificity) and 71% of those who would (sensitivity). CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that among a greater number of tests covering a broad range of cognitive abilities, tests reflecting verbal and visual learning and recall, visuospatial function, attention, and encoding into and retrieval from long-term memory may be helpful in identifying patients in the pre-symptomatic phase of dementia. Thus, helping care-givers identify patients at a higher risk of developing dementia and adjusting management of care accordingly.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly C Paul
- Department of Epidemiology, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Fróði Debes
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Public Health, The Faroese Hospital System, Tórshavn, Faroe Islands
| | - Eina Eliasen
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Public Health, The Faroese Hospital System, Tórshavn, Faroe Islands
| | - Pál Weihe
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Public Health, The Faroese Hospital System, Tórshavn, Faroe Islands
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Centre of Health Science, University of the Faroe Islands, Tórshavn, Faroe Islands
| | - Maria Skaalum Petersen
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Public Health, The Faroese Hospital System, Tórshavn, Faroe Islands.
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Centre of Health Science, University of the Faroe Islands, Tórshavn, Faroe Islands.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Liberda EN, Zuk AM, Tsuji LJS. Heart rate variation and human body burdens of environmental mixtures in the Cree First Nation communities of Eeyou Istchee, Canada. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 146:106220. [PMID: 33120227 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.106220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Heart rate variability (HRV) is a measure of cardiac autonomic regulation that examines the variation in beat-to-beat fluctuations in heart rate. While many exposure-based studies have examined the effects of single or similar groups of contaminants on HRV parameters, none have examined the association between complex environmental mixtures, including organic and elemental contaminants, and HRV. METHODS Using data collected from the Multi-Community Environment-and-Health Study in Eeyou Istchee (Quebec, Canada), we assessed HRV in two time domain measures: root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD) and standard deviation of the N-N (RR) intervals (SDNN); and in three frequency domains: high frequency (HF), low-frequency (LF), and very-low frequency (VLF) in 443 participants. We first examined mixture effects of nineteen organic and metal contaminants in blood using principal component analysis (PCA) and a multivariable general linear regression on HRV responses, adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, smoking status, and kidney disease covariates. We subsequently assessed HRV outcome response variables using Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) to further examine individual contaminant contribution and overall mixture effects. RESULTS In the PCA, a significant positive association was observed between RMSSD and principal component (PC) axis 2, which was highly positively-loaded for nickel and moderately negatively-loaded for mercury. A negative association between SDNN and PC-1, which was highly positively-loaded for all PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) and organochlorines and moderately positively-loaded for mercury, was observed. Additionally, a significant and positive association was observed between PC-2 and SDNN and a significant and negative association between PC-3 (negatively loaded for cadmium) and LF. Associations with contaminants were not observed for HF or VLF. BKMR results suggest that trans-nonachlor and cis-nonachlor are primarily responsible for reductions in HRV; however, their contributions to HRV deficits was non-significant when examined as a complete mixture. CONCLUSIONS While PCA results suggested that organochlorines, mercury, nickel, and cadmium may all play a role in altering various HRV, subsequent BKMR analysis illustrated the individual components driving these effects may be trans- and cis-nonachlor and nickel and likely not mercury or cadmium. However, other contaminants appear to temper this effect when the entire mixture of chemicals is assessed as a whole. This study expands our knowledge of the effects of environmental contaminant mixtures on HRV, which is especially important in exposed populations such as those in the Eeyou Istchee territory, whilst utilizing novel statistical methods such as PCA and BKMR to examine co-exposures concurrently.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric N Liberda
- School of Occupational and Public Health, Ryerson University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Aleksandra M Zuk
- School of Nursing, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada; Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Leonard J S Tsuji
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Park SK, Ding N, Han D. Perfluoroalkyl substances and cognitive function in older adults: Should we consider non-monotonic dose-responses and chronic kidney disease? ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 192:110346. [PMID: 33068581 PMCID: PMC7736478 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although potential neurotoxicity of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is suggested, previous epidemiologic studies have reported a 'protective' association between serum PFAS concentration and cognition function. Poor outcome assessment, residual confounding, non-monotonic dose-responses (NMDRs), and the role of reduced kidney function in PFAS excretion may be alternative explanations of these findings. OBJECTIVES We examined the association of perfluoroalkyls with cognitive functions assessed using the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease word learning and recall; the Animal Fluency; and the Digit Symbol Substitution tests. METHODS We included 903 adults aged ≥60 years from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2014. We computed a composite z-score as an average of four individual cognitive z-scores and used it as the outcome. Linear and generalized additive models were used to evaluate linear and non-linear associations. RESULTS With the linearity assumption, perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) and perfluorononanoate (PFNA) were significantly positively associated with composite z-score after adjustment for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, smoking, poverty-income ratio, health insurance, food security, alcohol, and physical activity. Smoothing plots suggested NMDRs, especially for perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) with a U-shape dose-response. When restricting to participants without chronic kidney disease (CKD) (n = 613), the positive associations for PFOA and PFNA observed in the whole population diminished, whereas PFOS was inversely and significantly associated with composite z-score. Also, negative confounding effects of fish/seafood consumption seem to be substantial. Effect estimates of composite z-score were -0.055 (95% CI: -0.097, -0.012, P = 0.01) for a doubling increase in PFOS. DISCUSSION These findings suggest that the previous epidemiologic findings of a 'protective' association between PFAS and cognition may be explained by CKD, NMDRs and confounding by fish consumption. PFOS at the current population exposure level in the U.S. may be a risk factor for cognitive decline in older adults with normal kidney function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sung Kyun Park
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Ning Ding
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Dehua Han
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Gorini F, Bustaffa E, Chatzianagnostou K, Bianchi F, Vassalle C. Hydrogen sulfide and cardiovascular disease: Doubts, clues, and interpretation difficulties from studies in geothermal areas. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 743:140818. [PMID: 32758850 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.140818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) represents one of the main pollutants originating from both geologic phenomena such as volcanoes, geysers, fumaroles and hot springs, and geothermal plants that produce heat and electricity. Many increasing data suggest that H2S retains a variety of biological properties, and modulates many pathways related to cardiovascular pathophysiology although its role as beneficial/adverse determinant on cardiovascular disease (CVD) is not clearly established. In this review, the current knowledge on the association between H2S exposure and risk of CVD in geothermal areas has been examined. The few epidemiological studies carried out in geothermal areas suggest, in some cases, a protective role of H2S towards CVD, while in others a positive association between exposure to H2S and increased incidence of CVD. Most of the studies have an ecological design that does not allow to produce evidence to support a causal relationship and also often lack for an adequate adjustment for individual CVD risk factors. The review has also considered the potential role of two other aspects not sufficiently explored in this relationship: the production of endogenous H2S that is a gasotransmitter producing beneficial effects on cardiovascular function at low concentration and the intake of H2S-releasing drugs for the treatment of patients affected by hypertension, inflammatory diseases, and CVD. Thus, a threshold effect of H2S and the shift of action as beneficial/adverse determinant given by the synergy of exogenous exposure and endogenous production cannot be excluded. In this complex scenario, an effort is warranted in the future to include a more comprehensive evaluation of risk for CVD in relation to H2S emissions, especially in geothermal areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Gorini
- Unit of Environmental Epidemiology and Diseases Registries, Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, IFC-CNR, via Moruzzi 1, Pisa 56124, Italy.
| | - Elisa Bustaffa
- Unit of Environmental Epidemiology and Diseases Registries, Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, IFC-CNR, via Moruzzi 1, Pisa 56124, Italy
| | | | - Fabrizio Bianchi
- Unit of Environmental Epidemiology and Diseases Registries, Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, IFC-CNR, via Moruzzi 1, Pisa 56124, Italy
| | - Cristina Vassalle
- Gabriele Monasterio Foundation for the Medical and Public Health Research, via Moruzzi 1, Pisa 56124, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
The association between mercury concentrations and lipid profiles in the Korean National Environmental Health Survey (KoNEHS) cycle 3. Ann Occup Environ Med 2020; 32:e19. [PMID: 32676197 PMCID: PMC7332352 DOI: 10.35371/aoem.2020.32.e19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background High concentrations of mercury intake from seafood are known to cause various side effects in humans, including on the nervous system. Various studies have reported the effects of mercury concentrations in humans; however, the association between dyslipidemia, a cardiovascular disease risk factor, and mercury remains controversial. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between mercury accumulation and cholesterol concentrations in a Korean population. Methods We analyzed data of a sample of 3,228 respondents obtained from the Korean National Environmental Health Survey cycle 3, surveyed between 2015 and 2017, to determine how lipid profiles changed according to the blood mercury concentrations (BHg) and urine mercury concentrations (UHg). Multiple regression analysis was used to determine the effects of mercury concentrations among various factors affecting blood cholesterol levels. Results The arithmetic mean (AM) of BHg was 2.91 (2.81–3.02) μg/L, and the geometric mean (GM) was 2.71 (2.59–2.85) μg/L. The AM of UHg was 0.52 (0.48–0.56) μg/L, and the GM was 0.35 (0.33–0.38) μg/L. Lipid profiles were more related to the BHg than to the UHg. Total cholesterol (total-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels increased significantly as BHg increased in males, and total-C, triglyceride, and LDL-C levels increased significantly in females. Multiple regression analysis indicated that BHg were significantly associated with total-C, HDL-C, and LDL-C levels. Conclusions We found an association between mercury exposure and the risk of dyslipidemia; however, further studies are required to elucidate a causal association.
Collapse
|
30
|
Adusei A, Arko-Mensah J, Dzodzomenyo M, Stephens J, Amoabeng A, Waldschmidt S, Löhndorf K, Agbeko K, Takyi S, Kwarteng L, Acquah A, Botwe P, Tettey P, Kaifie A, Felten M, Kraus T, Küpper T, Fobil J. Spatiality in Health: The Distribution of Health Conditions Associated with Electronic Waste Processing Activities at Agbogbloshie, Accra. Ann Glob Health 2020; 86:31. [PMID: 32211301 PMCID: PMC7082828 DOI: 10.5334/aogh.2630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A walk through the Agbogbloshie e-waste recycling site shows a marked heterogeneity in the spatial distribution of the different e-waste processing activities, which are likely to drive clustering of health conditions associated with the different activity type in each space. Objective of study To conduct a spatial assessment and analysis of health conditions associated with different e-waste activities at different activity spaces at Agbogbloshie. Methods A choropleth showing the various activity spaces at the Agbogbloshie e-waste site was produced by mapping boundaries of these spaces using Etrex GPS device and individuals working in each activity spaces were recruited and studied. Upon obtaining consent and agreeing to participate in the study, each subject was physically examined and assessed various health outcomes of interest via direct physical examination while characterizing and enumerating the scars, lacerations, abrasions, skin condition and cuts after which both systolic and diastolic blood pressure values were recorded alongside the administration of open and close ended questionnaires. All individuals working within each activity space and consented to participate were recruited; giving a total of one hundred and twelve (112) subjects in all. Results A study of the choropleth showed that health conditions associated e-waste processing activities were clustered in a fashion similar to the corresponding distribution of each activity. While a total of 96.2% of all the study subjects had cuts, the dismantlers had higher mix of scars, lacerations and abrasions. Abrasions were observed in 16.3% of the dismantlers. Scars were the most common skin condition and were observed on the skins of 93.6% of the subjects. Prevalence of burns among the study subjects was 23.1%. Developing hypertension was not associated with activity type and while a total of 90.2% of subjects had normal blood pressure and 9.8% of them were hypertensives. Finally, 98.2% of respondents felt the need to have a first aid clinic at the site with 96.4% and 97.3% willing to visit the clinic and pay for services respectively. Conclusion We conclude that while the observed injuries were random and were due purely to accidents without any role of spatial determinants such as the configuration, slope, topography and other subterranean features of the activity spaces, a strong association between the injuries and activity type was observed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Paul Botwe
- University of Ghana School of Public Health, GH
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Ramos A, Dos Santos MM, de Macedo GT, Wildner G, Prestes AS, Masuda CA, Dalla Corte CL, Teixeira da Rocha JB, Barbosa NV. Methyl and Ethylmercury elicit oxidative stress and unbalance the antioxidant system in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Chem Biol Interact 2020; 315:108867. [PMID: 31672467 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2019.108867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Revised: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) and Ethylmercury (EtHg) are toxic to the central nervous system. Human exposure to MeHg and EtHg results mainly from the consumption of contaminated fish and thimerosal-containing vaccines, respectively. The mechanisms underlying the toxicity of MeHg and EtHg are still elusive. Here, we compared the toxic effects of MeHg and EtHg in Saccharomyces cerevisiae (S. cerevisiae) emphasizing the involvement of oxidative stress and the identification of molecular targets from antioxidant pathways. Wild type and mutant strains with deleted genes for antioxidant defenses, namely: γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, superoxide dismutase, mitochondrial peroxiredoxin, cytoplasmic thioredoxin, and redox transcription factor Yap1 were used to identify potential pathways and proteins from cell redox system targeted by MeHg and EtHg. MeHg and EtHg inhibited cell growth, decreased membrane integrity, and increased the granularity and production of reactive species (RS) in wild type yeast. The mutants were predominantly less tolerant of mercurial than wild type yeast. But, as the wild strain, mutants exhibited higher tolerance to MeHg than EtHg. Our results indicate the involvement of oxidative stress in the cytotoxicity of MeHg and EtHg and reinforce S. cerevisiae as a suitable model to explore the mechanisms of action of electrophilic toxicants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angelica Ramos
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Matheus M Dos Santos
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Gabriel T de Macedo
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Wildner
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Alessandro S Prestes
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Claudio A Masuda
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo De Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | | | | | - Nilda V Barbosa
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Liberda EN, Zuk AM, Tsuji LJS. Complex contaminant mixtures and their associations with intima-media thickness. BMC Cardiovasc Disord 2019; 19:289. [PMID: 31830904 PMCID: PMC6909558 DOI: 10.1186/s12872-019-1246-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidity and mortality is higher among Indigenous persons, who also experience greater health disparities when compared to non-Indigenous Canadians, particularly in remote regions of Canada. Assessment of carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), a noninvasive screening tool and can be used as biomarker to assess increased CVD risk. Few studies have examined environmental contaminant body burden and its association with cIMT. Methods Data from the Environment-and-Health Study in the Eeyou Istchee territory of northern Québec, Canada was used to assess complex body burden mixtures of POPs, metals and metalloids among (n = 535) Indigenous people between 15 and 87 years of age with cIMT. First, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to reduce the complexity of the contaminant data. Second, based on the underlying PCA profiles from the biological data, we examined each of the prominent principal component (PC) axes on cIMT using multivariable linear regression models. Lastly, based on these PC axes, cIMT was also regressed on summed (Σ) organic compound concentrations, polychlorinated biphenyl, perfluorinated compounds, respectively, ∑10 OCs, ∑13 PCBs, ∑3PFCs, and nickel. Results Most organochlorines and PFCs loaded primarily on PC-1 (53% variation). Nickel, selenium, and cadmium were found to load on PC-5. Carotid-IMT was significantly associated with PC-1 β = 0.004 (95 % CI 0.001, 0.007), and PC-5 β = 0.013 (95 % CI 0.002, 0.023). However, the association appears to be greater for PC-5, accounting for 3% of the variation, and mostly represented by nickel. Results show that that both nickel, and ∑3PFCs were similarly associated with cIMT β = 0.001 (95 % CI 0.0003, 0.003), and β = 0.001 (95 % CI 0.0004, 0.002), respectively. But ∑10OCs was significantly associated with a slightly greater β = 0.004 (95 % CI 0.001, 0.007) cIMT change, though with less precision. Lastly, ∑13PCBs also increased β = 0.002 (95 % CI 0.0004, 0.003) cIMT after fully adjusting for covariates. Conclusion Our results suggest that environmental contaminants are associated with cIMT. This is important for the Cree from the Eeyou Istchee territory who may experience higher body burdens of contaminants than non-Indigenous Canadians.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric N Liberda
- School of Occupational and Public Health, Ryerson University, Toronto, 350 Victoria St, Toronto, Ontario, M5B 2K3, Canada.
| | - Aleksandra M Zuk
- Health Studies, and the Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, M1C 1A4, Ontario, Canada
| | - Leonard J S Tsuji
- Health Studies, and the Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, M1C 1A4, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Petersen MS, Debes F, Grandjean P, Weihe P. Gender differences in cognitive performance and health status in the Faroese Septuagenarians cohort. Eur J Public Health 2019; 29:79-81. [PMID: 30032206 DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/cky133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim was to determine cognitive performance and health status in the Faroese Septuagenarians cohort in relation to gender differences. In this cross-sectional study of 713 Faroese septuagenarians who underwent a clinical, neurophysiological and neuropsychological examinations and questionnaire, women performed better on tests covering the memory domain, while there was no gender difference in other cognitive domains. Men suffered more frequently from cardiovascular events while women more frequently suffered from arthrosis, hypothyroidism and muscle pain. We observed a considerable heterogeneity and gender difference in some cognitive domains and health in Faroese septuagenarians.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Skaalum Petersen
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Public Health, The Faroese Hospital System, Tórshavn, Faroe Islands.,Centre for Health Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Faroe Islands, Tórshavn, Faroe Islands
| | - Fróði Debes
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Public Health, The Faroese Hospital System, Tórshavn, Faroe Islands
| | - Philippe Grandjean
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Pál Weihe
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Public Health, The Faroese Hospital System, Tórshavn, Faroe Islands.,Centre for Health Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Faroe Islands, Tórshavn, Faroe Islands
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Queipo-Abad S, González PR, Martínez-Morillo E, Davis WC, García Alonso JI. Concentration of mercury species in hair, blood and urine of individuals occupationally exposed to gaseous elemental mercury in Asturias (Spain) and its comparison with individuals from a control group formed by close relatives. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 672:314-323. [PMID: 30959298 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.03.367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Revised: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/23/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Between November 19th, 2012 and December 3rd, 2012, 50 workers were intoxicated with gaseous Hg in San Juan de Nieva (Asturias, Spain) during the maintenance of a heat exchanger of a zinc manufacturer. We have quantified the concentration of methylmercury (MeHg), ethylmercury (EtHg) and Hg(II) in blood, hair and urine samples of those individuals taken three years after the accident. Blood, hair and urine of their closest relatives were also analyzed to assess whether the mercury burden present in the intoxicated individuals was due to the occupational exposure or to environmental or lifestyle-related factors. The determination of the mercury species in the samples was carried out applying multiple spiking Isotope Dilution GC-ICP-MS. This procedure corrects for possible interconversion reactions between the Hg species during the sample preparation procedure. Linear correlations were observed for both groups when plotting MeHg in blood vs MeHg in hair, and MeHg in hair vs Hg (II) in urine. The concentrations of Hg species in the intoxicated individuals were not significantly different from those obtained in the control group except for MeHg in blood. Significantly higher levels of MeHg in blood were obtained in some of the intoxicated individuals who had not consumed fish or seafood since the accident. A different correlation between MeHg in hair and MeHg in blood was obtained for these individuals compared to the control group who showed a hair-to-blood ratio consistent with the reported value for people exposed to Hg via fish consumption. Our results suggest that ingested MeHg followed the same pathway of deposition in hair in exposed and non-exposed individuals. However, the exposed individuals with high MeHg levels in blood showed a significantly different extent of MeHg deposition in hair compared to the control group.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Queipo-Abad
- Department of Physical and Analytical Chemistry, University of Oviedo, Julián Clavería, 8, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Pablo Rodríguez González
- Department of Physical and Analytical Chemistry, University of Oviedo, Julián Clavería, 8, 33006 Oviedo, Spain.
| | - Eduardo Martínez-Morillo
- Service of Clinical Biochemistry, Laboratory of Medicine, Central University Hospital of Asturias (HUCA), 33011 Oviedo, Spain
| | - W Clay Davis
- Chemical Sciences Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD 20899, USA
| | - José Ignacio García Alonso
- Department of Physical and Analytical Chemistry, University of Oviedo, Julián Clavería, 8, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Nishimura A, Shimoda K, Tanaka T, Toyama T, Nishiyama K, Shinkai Y, Numaga-Tomita T, Yamazaki D, Kanda Y, Akaike T, Kumagai Y, Nishida M. Depolysulfidation of Drp1 induced by low-dose methylmercury exposure increases cardiac vulnerability to hemodynamic overload. Sci Signal 2019; 12:12/587/eaaw1920. [DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.aaw1920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Akiyuki Nishimura
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
- Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems (ExCELLS), National Institutes of Natural Sciences (NINS), Okazaki 444-8787, Japan
- National Institute for Physiological Sciences (NIPS), NINS, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan
| | - Kakeru Shimoda
- Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems (ExCELLS), National Institutes of Natural Sciences (NINS), Okazaki 444-8787, Japan
- National Institute for Physiological Sciences (NIPS), NINS, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan
- SOKENDAI (School of Life Science, Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Okazaki 444-8787, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Tanaka
- Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems (ExCELLS), National Institutes of Natural Sciences (NINS), Okazaki 444-8787, Japan
- National Institute for Physiological Sciences (NIPS), NINS, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8575, Japan
| | - Takashi Toyama
- National Institute for Physiological Sciences (NIPS), NINS, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Nishiyama
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Shinkai
- Center for Novel Science Initiatives (CNSI), NINS, Tokyo 105-0001, Japan
| | - Takuro Numaga-Tomita
- Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems (ExCELLS), National Institutes of Natural Sciences (NINS), Okazaki 444-8787, Japan
- National Institute for Physiological Sciences (NIPS), NINS, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan
- SOKENDAI (School of Life Science, Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Okazaki 444-8787, Japan
| | - Daiju Yamazaki
- Division of Pharmacology, National Institute of Health Sciences, Kanagawa, 210-9501, Japan
| | - Yasunari Kanda
- Division of Pharmacology, National Institute of Health Sciences, Kanagawa, 210-9501, Japan
| | - Takaaki Akaike
- Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Yoshito Kumagai
- Center for Novel Science Initiatives (CNSI), NINS, Tokyo 105-0001, Japan
| | - Motohiro Nishida
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
- Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems (ExCELLS), National Institutes of Natural Sciences (NINS), Okazaki 444-8787, Japan
- National Institute for Physiological Sciences (NIPS), NINS, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan
- SOKENDAI (School of Life Science, Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Okazaki 444-8787, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
A study of relationship between blood mercury concentration and hypertension in residents living in old mine fields and related factors. Ann Occup Environ Med 2019; 31:e6. [PMID: 31543967 PMCID: PMC6751788 DOI: 10.35371/aoem.2019.31.e6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In Korea, around the abandoned metal mines, heavy metals are being accumulating in the cultivated areas. Among exposed heavy metals, mercury is known to harm for cardiovascular system known to affect blood pressure. So, we studied the relationship between blood mercury level and hypertension in residents around abandoned metal mines. Methods From 2008 to 2011, we surveyed 7,055 residents in provinces affected by abandoned metal mines and collected data from 6 Hospitals. We conducted a personal questionnaire interview survey with residents on the basis of household questionnaires, sex, age, household income, smoking, and drinking items. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the association between blood mercury level and hypertension. Results We compared residents with low and high groups based on blood mercury level 5.8 μg/L, and higher group was significantly higher risk of hypertension than lower group (odds ratio [OR]: 1.277; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.135–1.436), also in adjusted model, higher group was significantly higher risk of hypertension than lower group (OR: 1.276; 95% CI: 1.117–1.457). Conclusions This study showed a significant correlation between mercury and hypertension in residents around abandoned metal mines. Therefore, we should continuously monitor people who are higher than the standard value and the hypertensive patients.
Collapse
|
37
|
Zareba W, Thurston SW, Zareba G, Couderc JP, Evans K, Xia J, Watson GE, Strain JJ, McSorley E, Yeates A, Mulhern M, Shamlaye CF, Bovet P, van Wijngaarden E, Davidson PW, Myers GJ. Prenatal and recent methylmercury exposure and heart rate variability in young adults: the Seychelles Child Development Study. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2019; 74:106810. [PMID: 31128243 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2019.106810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2018] [Revised: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Epidemiologic evidence of an adverse association between exposure to methylmercury (MeHg) from consuming fish and heart rate variability (HRV) is inconclusive. We aimed to evaluate MeHg exposure in relation to HRV parameters in a large cohort of young adults from a high fish consuming population in the Republic of Seychelles. Main Cohort participants in the Seychelles Child Development Study were evaluated at a mean age of 19 years. Prenatal MeHg exposure was determined in maternal hair growing during pregnancy and recent exposure in participant's hair taken at the evaluation. The evaluation consisted of short (~2 h) and long (overnight) Holter recordings obtained in 514 and 203 participants, respectively. Multivariable analyses examined the association of prenatal and recent MeHg exposure (in separate models) with time-domain and frequency-domain HRV parameters in different physiologic circumstances: supine position, standing position, mental stress when undergoing a mathematics test, sleep, and long recording. Prenatal MeHg exposure was not associated with any of the 23 HRV parameters studied after adjustment for multiplicity. The recent MeHg showed a trend toward significance only for few variables in the primary model. However, after additional adjustment for activity levels, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and multiplicity none were significant after a Bonferroni adjustment. In conclusion, prenatal and recent MeHg exposure had no consistent pattern of associations to support the hypothesis that they are adversely associated with heart rate variability in this study population that consumes large amounts of fish.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wojciech Zareba
- Heart Research, Cardiology Division, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States of America.
| | - Sally W Thurston
- Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology; University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States of America
| | - Grazyna Zareba
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States of America
| | - Jean Philippe Couderc
- Heart Research, Cardiology Division, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States of America
| | - Katie Evans
- Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology; University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States of America
| | - Jean Xia
- Heart Research, Cardiology Division, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States of America
| | - Gene E Watson
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States of America; Eastman Institute for Oral Health, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States of America
| | - J J Strain
- University of Ulster, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Emeir McSorley
- University of Ulster, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Alison Yeates
- University of Ulster, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Mulhern
- University of Ulster, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | | | - Pascal Bovet
- University Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Edwin van Wijngaarden
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States of America; Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States of America; Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States of America; Eastman Institute for Oral Health, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States of America
| | - Philip W Davidson
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States of America; Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States of America
| | - Gary J Myers
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States of America; Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States of America; Department of Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Sotomayor CG, Gomes-Neto AW, Gans ROB, de Borst MH, Berger SP, Rodrigo R, Navis GJ, Touw DJ, Bakker SJL. Fish Intake, Circulating Mercury and Mortality in Renal Transplant Recipients. Nutrients 2018; 10:nu10101419. [PMID: 30282924 PMCID: PMC6212909 DOI: 10.3390/nu10101419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Revised: 09/25/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Marine-derived omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) are inversely associated with cardiovascular and all-cause mortality in renal transplant recipients (RTRs). Recommendations to increase marine-derived n-3 PUFAs by increasing fish intake may have a drawback in concomitant stimulation of mercury intake, which could lead to higher circulating mercury concentrations and mitigation of otherwise beneficial effects of n-3 PUFAs. We aimed to monitor circulating mercury concentrations, and to prospectively evaluate whether it counteracts the potential association between fish intake and cardiovascular and all-cause mortality in a cohort of RTRs (n = 604, 53 ± 13 years-old, 57% men) with long-term follow-up (median of 5.4 years; 121 deaths). Circulating mercury concentration (median 0.30 (IQR 0.14–0.63) µg/L) positively associated with fish intake (std. β = 0.21, p < 0.001). Multivariable-adjusted Cox-proportional hazards regression analyses showed that prior to, and after additional adjustment for circulating mercury concentrations, fish intake was inversely associated with both cardiovascular (HR 0.75, 95% CI 0.58–0.96; and, HR 0.75, 95% CI 0.58–0.97, respectively) and all-cause mortality (HR 0.84, 95% CI 0.72–0.97; and, HR 0.86, 95% CI 0.74–0.99, respectively). Secondary analyses accounting for marine-derived n-3 PUFAs intake revealed associations of similar magnitude. In conclusion, we found no evidence of a counteracting effect conferred by circulating mercury concentrations on the associations between fish and marine-derived n-3 PUFAs intake and the risks of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality in RTRs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Camilo G Sotomayor
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713GZ Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - António W Gomes-Neto
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713GZ Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Rijk O B Gans
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713GZ Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Martin H de Borst
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713GZ Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Stefan P Berger
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713GZ Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Ramón Rodrigo
- Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, 8380453 Santiago, Chile.
| | - Gerjan J Navis
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713GZ Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Daan J Touw
- Department of Pharmacy and Clinical Pharmacology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713GZ Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Stephan J L Bakker
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713GZ Groningen, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Taiwo A, Oyebode A, Salami F, Okewole I, Gbogboade A, Agim C, Oladele T, Kamoru T, Abdullahi K, Davidson N. Carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic evaluations of heavy metals in protein foods from southwestern Nigeria. J Food Compost Anal 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jfca.2018.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
|
40
|
Sumathi T, Jacob S, Gopalakrishnan R. Methylmercury exposure develops atherosclerotic risk factors in the aorta and programmed cell death in the cerebellum: ameliorative action of Celastrus paniculatus ethanolic extract in male Wistar rats. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 25:30212-30223. [PMID: 30155631 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-3031-x] [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: 06/07/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) is a bioaccumulative global environmental contaminant present in fishes and seafood. MeHg is the methylated form of mercury emitted from diverse anthropogenic and natural sources. MeHg is accumulated in the aquatic environment and eventually reaches human system via food chain by biomagnification. We have reported previously that the neurotoxic effect of MeHg in rat cerebellum is mitigated by the administration of an ayurvedic medicinal plant, Celastrus paniculatus ethanolic extract. The present study has focussed to further explore the mechanism of action of Celastrus paniculatus against MeHg-induced neurotoxicity in the cerebellum. We have also inspected the effect of Celastrus paniculatus (CP) against MeHg-induced atherosclerotic risk factors like alterations in antioxidant levels, aortic lipid profile, and aortic histology by MeHg in the largest vasculature, aorta, which are the initiating factors of cardiovascular diseases. Male Wistar rats were divided as (i) control, (ii) MeHg (5 mg/kg b.w.), (iii) MeHg + CP (200 mg/kg b.w.), and (iv) CP alone (200 mg/kg b.w.). All were given orally for 21 days. In cerebellum Celastrus paniculatus, there were increased mitochondrial electron transport chain (p < 0.05) activity, reduced cytochrome c release (p < 0.05), and caspase 3 mRNA expression (p < 0.05). In the aorta, MeHg-induced oxidative stress, lipid profile changes, and endothelial denudation were ameliorated by Celastrus paniculatus. Hence, we conclude that Celastrus paniculatus protects against MeHg toxicity by inhibiting mitochondrial cytochrome c/caspase 3 apoptotic pathway in the cerebellum and reducing the development of atherosclerotic risk factors in the aorta.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thangarajan Sumathi
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Dr. ALM Post Graduate Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Taramani Campus, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600113, India.
| | - Sherin Jacob
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Dr. ALM Post Graduate Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Taramani Campus, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600113, India
| | - Rahul Gopalakrishnan
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Dr. ALM Post Graduate Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Taramani Campus, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600113, India
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Liu M, He Y, Baumann Z, Yu C, Ge S, Sun X, Cheng M, Shen H, Mason RP, Chen L, Zhang Q, Wang X. Traditional Tibetan Medicine Induced High Methylmercury Exposure Level and Environmental Mercury Burden in Tibet, China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2018; 52:8838-8847. [PMID: 30019578 PMCID: PMC6147262 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.8b01754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Highly elevated concentrations of total mercury (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg) were found in the municipal sewage in Tibet. Material flow analysis supports the hypothesis that these elevated concentrations are related to regular ingestion of Hg-containing Traditional Tibetan Medicine (TTM). In Tibet in 2015, a total of 3600 kg of THg was released from human body into the terrestrial environment as a result of TTM ingestion, amounting to 45% of the total THg release into the terrestrial environment in Tibet, hence substantially enhancing the environmental Hg burden. Regular ingestion of TTM leads to chronic exposure of Tibetans to inorganic Hg (IHg) and MeHg, which is 34 to 3000-fold and 0-12-fold higher than from any other known dietary sources, respectively. Application of a human physiology model demonstrated that ingestion of TTM can induce high blood IHg and MeHg levels in the human body. Moreover, 180 days would be required for the MeHg to be cleared out of the human body and return to the initial concentration i.e. prior to the ingestion of 1 TTM pill. Our analysis suggests that high Hg level contained in TTM could be harmful to human health and elevate the environmental Hg burden in Tibet.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maodian Liu
- Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, 1080 Shennecossett Road, Groton, CT 06340, USA
| | - Yipeng He
- Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, 1080 Shennecossett Road, Groton, CT 06340, USA
| | - Zofia Baumann
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, 1080 Shennecossett Road, Groton, CT 06340, USA
| | - Chenghao Yu
- Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Shidong Ge
- Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Xuejun Sun
- Key Laboratory of Tibetan Environment Changes and Land Surface Processes, Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Graduate University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Menghan Cheng
- Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Huizhong Shen
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Robert P. Mason
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, 1080 Shennecossett Road, Groton, CT 06340, USA
| | - Long Chen
- Key Laboratory of Geographic Information Science (Ministry of Education), East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
- School of Geographic Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Qianggong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Tibetan Environment Changes and Land Surface Processes, Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Center for Excellence in Tibetan Plateau Earth Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Xuejun Wang
- Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Assessment of Cardiac Autonomic Function in Relation to Methylmercury Neurotoxicity. TOXICS 2018; 6:toxics6030038. [PMID: 30036985 PMCID: PMC6161203 DOI: 10.3390/toxics6030038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2018] [Revised: 07/12/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
After the European Food Safety Authority reviewed reports of methylmercury and heart rate variability (HRV) in 2012, the panel concluded that, although some studies of cardiac autonomy suggested an autonomic effect of methylmercury, the results were inconsistent among studies and the implications for health were unclear. In this study, we reconsider this association by adding a perspective on the physiological context. Cardiovascular rhythmicity is usually studied within different frequency domains of HRV. Three spectral components are usually detected; in humans these are centered at <0.04 Hz, 0.15 Hz (LF), and 0.3 Hz (HF). LF and HF (sympathetic and parasympathetic activities, respectively) are evaluated in terms of frequency and power. By searching PubMed, we identified 13 studies examining the effect of methylmercury exposure on HRV in human populations in the Faroe Islands, the Seychelles and other countries. Considering both reduced HRV and sympathodominant state (i.e., lower HF, higher LF, or higher LF/HF ratio) as autonomic abnormality, eight of them showed the significant association with methylmercury exposure. Five studies failed to demonstrate any significant association. In conclusion, these data suggest that increased methylmercury exposure was consistently associated with autonomic abnormality, though the influence of methylmercury on HRV (e.g., LF) might differ for prenatal and postnatal exposures. The results with HRV should be included in the risk characterization of methylmercury. The HRV parameters calculated by frequency domain analysis appear to be more sensitive to methylmercury exposure than those by time domain analysis.
Collapse
|
43
|
Miller C, Karimi R, Silbernagel S, Kostrubiak D, Schiavone F, Zhang Q, Yang J, Rashba E, Meliker JR. Mercury, omega-3 fatty acids, and seafood intake are not associated with heart rate variability or QT interval. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH 2018; 73:251-257. [PMID: 28379067 DOI: 10.1080/19338244.2017.1315360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2016] [Accepted: 03/30/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) concentrations differ across seafood types. Our aim was to investigate the association of Hg, EPA, and DHA, as well as avid consumption of diverse seafood types, with cardiovascular variables heart rate variability (HRV) and QT interval duration (QTc) in a contemporary population. We measured HRV and QTc by Holter monitor, EPA and DHA in plasma, total Hg in whole blood, and possible confounders in 94 avid seafood consumers from Long Island, NY. Participants had mean Hg of 8.4 mcg/L, mean EPA of 1.2%, and mean DHA of 3.7% of total fatty acids. Adjusted for possible confounders, EPA+DHA, Hg, and total seafood consumption were not associated with HRV or QTc. Associations with consumption of specific seafood types were suggested (eg, tuna steak with QTc and anchovies with HRV) but require verification.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charles Miller
- a Department of Medicine , Stony Brook University School of Medicine , Stony Brook , New York , USA
| | - Roxanne Karimi
- b School of Marine and Atmospheric Science , Stony Brook University , Stony Brook , New York , USA
| | - Susan Silbernagel
- b School of Marine and Atmospheric Science , Stony Brook University , Stony Brook , New York , USA
| | | | - Frederick Schiavone
- d Department of Emergency Medicine , Stony Brook University School of Medicine , Stony Brook , New York , USA
| | - Qiao Zhang
- e US Food and Drug Administration , Center for Veterinary Medicine , Silver Spring , Maryland , USA
| | - Jie Yang
- f Department of Family, Population, and Preventive Medicine , Stony Brook University School of Medicine , Stony Brook , New York , USA
| | - Eric Rashba
- g Division of Cardiology, Electrophysiology Section, Department of Medicine , Stony Brook University School of Medicine , Stony Brook , New York , USA
| | - Jaymie R Meliker
- f Department of Family, Population, and Preventive Medicine , Stony Brook University School of Medicine , Stony Brook , New York , USA
- h Stony Brook University Program in Public Health , Stony Brook , New York , USA
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Hu XF, Singh K, Chan HM. Mercury Exposure, Blood Pressure, and Hypertension: A Systematic Review and Dose-response Meta-analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2018; 126:076002. [PMID: 30073953 PMCID: PMC6108832 DOI: 10.1289/ehp2863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2017] [Revised: 06/22/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Body burden of mercury has been linked to hypertension in populations exposed to high mercury levels. OBJECTIVES We summarized, extracted, and pooled the results of published studies that investigated mercury biomarkers and hypertension or blood pressure (BP) measurements to examine this potential relationship. METHODS We searched PubMed, Embase, and TOXLINE and selected studies according to a priori defined inclusion criteria. Study quality was assessed by the Newcastle-Ottawa scale for cohort and case-control studies and the Quality Assessment Tool for cross-sectional studies. Study estimates were pooled using inverse-variance weighted random-effects models. Dose-response meta-analysis was performed with studies reporting hypertension and systolic BP for at least three mercury categories. RESULTS A total of 29 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled odds ratio (OR) for hypertension, comparing the highest and lowest mercury exposure categories, was 1.35 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.99, 1.83] for populations with hair mercury ≥2 μg/g in comparison with the OR of 1.12 (95% CI: 0.82, 1.52) for populations with hair mercury <2 μg/g. Positive associations were also observed for highest versus lowest mercury exposure categories on systolic and diastolic BP. Heterogeneity was observed for mercury species and exposure groups across different studies. Associations estimated using different mercury biomarkers generally agree with each other in the same study. A nonlinear dose-response relationship with an inflection point at 3 μg/g was identified, for both hypertension and systolic BP. CONCLUSIONS A significant positive association between mercury and hypertension and between mercury and BP was identified. The exposure dose is an important factor in determining the toxic effects of mercury on hypertension. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP2863.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xue Feng Hu
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa (XFH, KS, HMC), Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kavita Singh
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa (XFH, KS, HMC), Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Hing Man Chan
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa (XFH, KS, HMC), Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Larsen TJ, Jørgensen ME, Larsen CVL, Dahl-Petersen IK, Rønn PF, Bjerregaard P, Byberg S. Whole blood mercury and the risk of cardiovascular disease among the Greenlandic population. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2018; 164:310-315. [PMID: 29554622 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2018.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Revised: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 03/02/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies have found mercury to be associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD), however, primarily in populations with low exposure. The highest levels, and variations in the levels, of whole blood mercury (WBM) worldwide have been found in Greenland. We prospectively assessed the association between WBM and the risk of developing CVD in the Greenlandic population. METHODS We assessed the effects of WBM levels on incident CVD among 3083 Greenlandic Inuit, participating in a population-based cohort study conducted from 2005 to 2010. WBM was measured at baseline. Participants were followed in the National Patient Registries for Denmark and Greenland and in the causes of death register for CVD events from inclusion in the study until CVD event, emigration, death or end of follow-up (30/9-2013). Using Cox regression analyses, we calculated the incidence rates and the hazard ratio of CVD events according to WBM levels. Potential interactions with sex were also investigated. RESULTS The highest levels of WBM were found in men, who had a significantly higher median level (19 μg/L (IQR:1-44)), compared with women (15 μg/L (IQR: 1-32), (p < 0.001)). The crude hazard ratio (HR) for incident CVD was 1.00 (95% CI 1.00-1.00) for 5 µg/l increase in WBM. After adjusting for several potential confounders, there was still no association between WBM and incident CVD (HR 0.99; 95%CI:0.99-1.00). We found no interactions with sex. CONCLUSIONS In a population with high levels of WBM, we found no association between WBM and the risk of developing CVD in Greenland.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Trine Jul Larsen
- Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Niels Steensens vej 2-4, 2820 Gentofte, Denmark
| | - Marit Eika Jørgensen
- Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Niels Steensens vej 2-4, 2820 Gentofte, Denmark; National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Øster Farimagsgade 5A, 1353 Copenhagen K, Denmark
| | | | - Inger Katrine Dahl-Petersen
- National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Øster Farimagsgade 5A, 1353 Copenhagen K, Denmark
| | - Pernille Falberg Rønn
- Institute of Public Health, Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 2, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Peter Bjerregaard
- National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Øster Farimagsgade 5A, 1353 Copenhagen K, Denmark
| | - Stine Byberg
- Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Niels Steensens vej 2-4, 2820 Gentofte, Denmark.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Rizzetti DA, da Silva TM, Escobar AG, Piagette J, Peçanha FM, Vassallo DV, Alonso MJ, Salaices M, Wiggers GA. Mercury-induced vascular dysfunction is mediated by angiotensin II AT-1 receptor upregulation. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2018; 162:287-296. [PMID: 29407760 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2018.01.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2017] [Revised: 01/17/2018] [Accepted: 01/20/2018] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Low doses of mercury (Hg) promote deleterious effects on cardiovascular system, but the mechanisms implicated remain unclear. This study analyzed whether angiotensin II AT-1 receptors are involved in the vascular dysfunction caused by chronic exposure to low HgCl2 doses. For this, rats were divided into four groups and untreated (saline by im injections and tap water by gavage) or treated for 30 days as follows: Mercury (HgCl2im, first dose of 4.6 µg kg-1 and subsequent doses of 0.07 µg kg-1 day-1, and tap water by gavage); Losartan (saline im and losartan, 15 mg kg-1 day-1, by gavage); Losartan-Mercury (HgCl2im and Losartan by gavage). Systolic blood pressure was measured by tail plethysmography, vascular reactivity in aorta by isolated organ bath, oxidative stress by measuring the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidant capacity (FRAP) and protein expression of AT-1 receptors by Western Blot. As results, co-treatment with losartan prevented the increased aortic vasoconstrictor responses to phenylephrine (Phe), the involvement of ROS and prostanoids on the response to Phe and the reduced negative endothelial modulation by nitric oxide on these responses. Moreover, this co-treatment avoided the increase in plasmatic and vascular oxidative stress and AT-1 protein expression in aorta. In conclusion, these results suggest that AT-1 receptors upregulation might play a key role in the vascular damage induced by Hg exposure by increasing oxidative stress and probably by reducing NO bioavailability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danize A Rizzetti
- Cardiovascular Physiology Laboratory, Universidade Federal do Pampa, BR 472, Km 592, Uruguaiana, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Taiz M da Silva
- Cardiovascular Physiology Laboratory, Universidade Federal do Pampa, BR 472, Km 592, Uruguaiana, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Alyne G Escobar
- Cardiovascular Physiology Laboratory, Universidade Federal do Pampa, BR 472, Km 592, Uruguaiana, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Janaina Piagette
- Cardiovascular Physiology Laboratory, Universidade Federal do Pampa, BR 472, Km 592, Uruguaiana, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Franck M Peçanha
- Cardiovascular Physiology Laboratory, Universidade Federal do Pampa, BR 472, Km 592, Uruguaiana, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Dalton V Vassallo
- Cardiac Electromechanical and Vascular Reactivity Laboratory, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Marechal Campos, 1468 Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil
| | - Maria J Alonso
- Department of Basic Health Sciences, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, C/ Atenas s/n, Alcorcón, Spain
| | - Mercedes Salaices
- Department of Pharmacology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, C/ Arzobispo Morcillo, 4, Madrid, Spain
| | - Giulia A Wiggers
- Cardiovascular Physiology Laboratory, Universidade Federal do Pampa, BR 472, Km 592, Uruguaiana, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Houston M, Minich D, Sinatra ST, Kahn JK, Guarneri M. Recent Science and Clinical Application of Nutrition to Coronary Heart Disease. J Am Coll Nutr 2018; 37:169-187. [PMID: 29313752 DOI: 10.1080/07315724.2017.1381053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
One of the greatest threats to mortality in industrialized societies continues to be coronary heart disease (CHD). Moreover, the ability to decrease the incidence of CHD has reached a limit utilizing traditional diagnostic evaluations and prevention and treatment strategies for the top five cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, obesity, and smoking). It is well known that about 80% of CHD can be prevented with optimal nutrition, coupled with exercise, weight management, mild alcohol intake, and smoking cessation. Among all of these factors, optimal nutrition provides the basic foundation for prevention and treatment of CHD. Numerous prospective nutrition clinical trials have shown dramatic reductions in the incidence of CHD. As nutritional science and nutrigenomics research continues, our ability to adjust the best nutrition with an individualized approach is emerging. This article reviews the role of nutrition in the prevention and treatment of CHD and myocardial infarction (MI).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark Houston
- a Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical School, Director, Hypertension Institute and Vascular Biology, Medical Director of Division of Human Nutrition, Saint Thomas Medical Group, Saint Thomas Hospital , Nashville , Tennessee , USA
| | - Deanna Minich
- b University of Western States, Institute for Functional Medicine , Seattle , Washington , USA
| | - Stephen T Sinatra
- c Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine, University of Connecticut Medical School , Farmington , Connecticut , USA
| | - Joel K Kahn
- d Clinical Professor of Medicine, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Kahn Center for Cardiac Longevity , Bloomfield Township , Michigan , USA
| | - Mimi Guarneri
- e Director, Guarneri Integrative Health, Inc., La Jolla, California at Pacific Pearl , La Jolla , California , USA
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
da Cunha Martins A, Carneiro MFH, Grotto D, Adeyemi JA, Barbosa F. Arsenic, cadmium, and mercury-induced hypertension: mechanisms and epidemiological findings. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART B, CRITICAL REVIEWS 2018; 21:61-82. [PMID: 29446707 DOI: 10.1080/10937404.2018.1432025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg) are toxic elements widely distributed in the environment. Exposure to these elements was attributed to produce several acute and chronic illnesses including hypertension. The aim of this review is to provide a summary of the most frequently proposed mechanisms underlying hypertension associated with As, Cd, and Hg exposure including: oxidative stress, impaired nitric oxide (NO) signaling, modified vascular response to neurotransmitters and disturbed vascular muscle Ca2+ signaling, renal damage, and interference with the renin-angiotensin system. Due to the complexity of the vascular system, a combination rather than a singular mechanism needs to be considered. In addition, epidemiological findings showing the relationship between various biomarkers of metal exposure and hypertension are described. Given the complex etiology of hypertension, further epidemiological studies evaluating the roles of confounding factors such as age, gender, and life style are still necessary.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Airton da Cunha Martins
- a Laboratório de Toxicologia e Essencialidade de Metais, Depto. de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto , Universidade de São Paulo , Ribeirão Preto-SP , Brazil
| | - Maria Fernanda Hornos Carneiro
- a Laboratório de Toxicologia e Essencialidade de Metais, Depto. de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto , Universidade de São Paulo , Ribeirão Preto-SP , Brazil
| | - Denise Grotto
- b Laboratório de Pesquisa em Toxicologia , Universidade de Sorocaba , Sorocaba-SP , Brazil
| | - Joseph A Adeyemi
- a Laboratório de Toxicologia e Essencialidade de Metais, Depto. de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto , Universidade de São Paulo , Ribeirão Preto-SP , Brazil
| | - Fernando Barbosa
- a Laboratório de Toxicologia e Essencialidade de Metais, Depto. de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto , Universidade de São Paulo , Ribeirão Preto-SP , Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Dao CV, Shiraishi M, Miyamoto A. The MARCKS protein amount is differently regulated by calpain during toxic effects of methylmercury between SH-SY5Y and EA.hy926 cells. J Vet Med Sci 2017; 79:1931-1938. [PMID: 29046508 PMCID: PMC5745167 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.17-0473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) is an environmental pollutant that shows severe toxicity to humans and animals. However, the molecular mechanisms mediating MeHg toxicity are not completely understood. We have previously reported that the MARCKS protein is involved in the MeHg toxicity to SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma and EA.hy926 vascular endothelial cell lines. In addition, calpain, a Ca2+-dependent protease, is suggested to be associated with the MeHg toxicity. Because MARCKS is known as a substrate of calpain, we studied the relation between calpain activation and cleavage of MARCKS and its role in MeHg toxicity. In SH-SY5Y cells, MeHg decreased cell viability along with increased calcium mobilization, calpain activation and a decrease in MARCKS amounts. However, pretreatment with calpain inhibitors attenuated the decrease in cell viability and MARCKS amount induced only by 1 µM but not by 3 µM MeHg. In cells with a MARCKS knockdown, calpain inhibitors failed to attenuate the decrease in cell viability caused by MeHg. In EA.hy926 cells, although MeHg caused calcium mobilization and a decrease in MARCKS levels, calpain activation was not observed. These results indicate that the participation of calpain in the regulation of MARCKS amounts is dependent on the cell type and concentration of MeHg. In SH-SY5Y cells, calpain-mediated proteolysis of MARCKS is involved in cytotoxicity induced by a low concentration of MeHg.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cuong Van Dao
- Department of Veterinary Pharmacology, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, 1-21-24 Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan.,Department of Veterinary Pharmacology, Faculty of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Forestry, Group 10, Quyet Thang Commune, Thai Nguyen City, Thai Nguyen, Vietnam
| | - Mitsuya Shiraishi
- Department of Veterinary Pharmacology, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, 1-21-24 Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan
| | - Atsushi Miyamoto
- Department of Veterinary Pharmacology, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, 1-21-24 Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Xanthine Oxidase Activation Modulates the Endothelial (Vascular) Dysfunction Related to HgCl2 Exposure Plus Myocardial Infarction in Rats. Cardiovasc Toxicol 2017; 18:161-174. [DOI: 10.1007/s12012-017-9427-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
|