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Campos ÉDA, Silva IFD, Warden CF. [Exposure to metals in the adult population living in industrial areas: a systematic review of the literature]. CIENCIA & SAUDE COLETIVA 2019; 26:2253-2270. [PMID: 34231736 DOI: 10.1590/1413-81232021266.07612019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to review studies of human biomonitoring (HBM) that evaluated exposure to lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni), arsenic (As) and manganese (Mn) in adults living close to industrial areas. A systematic review of studies was selected, without initial date limit through to December 2017, from the MEDLINE and BVS databases. Original studies in English, Portuguese or Spanish conducted among the adult population using blood and/or urine as biomarkers were included. The articles were evaluated according to methodological criteria, including studies with comparison groups and/or probabilistic sampling. Of the 28 studies selected, 54% were conducted in Europe, 36% in Asia, 7% in North America and 4% in Africa. Foundries, metal works and steel mills were the most frequently studied. Urine and blood were used in 82% and 50% of studies, respectively. The elements most investigated were Cd, Pb and As. Despite using heterogeneous methodologies, the results revealed higher metal concentrations, especially from As and Hg in general, than in the comparison group. This review highlights the need for more rigorous methodological studies of HBM, stressing the importance of public health vigilance among populations exposed to toxic metals, especially in developing countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Élida de Albuquerque Campos
- Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública Sergio Arouca, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Rua Leopoldo Bulhões 1480, Manguinhos. 21041-210 Rio de Janeiro RJ Brasil
| | - Ilce Ferreira da Silva
- Pós-Graduação em Pesquisa Aplicada à Saúde da Mulher e da Criança, Instituto Fernandes Figueira, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Rio de Janeiro RJ Brasil
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García-Rico L, Meza-Figueroa D, Jay Gandolfi A, Del Rivero CI, Martínez-Cinco MA, Meza-Montenegro MM. Health Risk Assessment and Urinary Excretion of Children Exposed to Arsenic through Drinking Water and Soils in Sonora, Mexico. Biol Trace Elem Res 2019; 187:9-21. [PMID: 29721859 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-018-1347-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2018] [Accepted: 04/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Environmental arsenic exposure is associated with increased risk of non-cancerous chronic diseases and a variety of cancers in humans. The aims of this study were to carry out for the first time a health risk assessment for two common arsenic exposure routes (drinking water and soil ingestion) in children living in the most important agricultural areas in the Yaqui and Mayo valleys in Sonora, Mexico. Drinking water sampling was conducted in the wells of 57 towns. A cross-sectional study was done in 306 children from 13 villages in the valleys. First morning void urine samples were analyzed for inorganic arsenic (InAs) and monomethyl and dimethyl arsenic (MMA and DMA) by HPLC/ICP-MS. The results showed a wide range of arsenic levels in drinking water between 2.7 and 98.7 μg As/L. Arsenic levels in agricultural and backyard soils were in the range of < 10-27 mg As/kg. The hazard index (HI) = ∑hazard quotient (HQ) for drinking water, agricultural soil, and backyard soil showed values > 1 in 100% of the study towns, and the carcinogenic risk (CR) was greater than 1E-04 in 85%. The average of arsenic excreted in urine was 31.7 μg As/L, and DMA had the highest proportion in urine, with averages of 77.8%, followed by InAs and MMA with 11.4 and 10.9%, respectively, percentages similar to those reported in the literature. Additionally, positive correlations between urinary arsenic levels and HI values were found (r = 0.59, P = 0.000). These results indicated that this population is at high risk of developing chronic diseases including cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leticia García-Rico
- Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo, A.C., km 0.6 carretera a la Victoria, Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Especialidad en Biotecnología, Instituto Tecnológico de Sonora, 5 de Febrero 818 Sur, 85000, Cd., Obregón, Sonora, Mexico
| | - Diana Meza-Figueroa
- Departamento de Geología, División de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Sonora, Rosales y Encinas, 83000, Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico
| | - A Jay Gandolfi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Arizona, 1723 E. Mabel Street, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA
| | - Carlos Ibañez Del Rivero
- Programa de Maestría, Departamento de Geología, División de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Sonora, Rosales y Encinas, 83000, Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico
| | - Marco A Martínez-Cinco
- División de Estudios de Posgrado, Facultad de Ingeniería Química, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo (UMSNH), Gral. Francisco J. Múgica SN, Felicitas del Río, 58040, Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico
| | - Maria M Meza-Montenegro
- Departamento de Recursos Naturales, Instituto Tecnológico de Sonora, 5 de Febrero 818 Sur, 85000, Cd. Obregón, Sonora, Mexico.
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Kurzius-Spencer M, da Silva V, Thomson CA, Hartz V, Hsu CH, Burgess JL, O'Rourke MK, Harris RB. Nutrients in one-carbon metabolism and urinary arsenic methylation in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003-2004. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 607-608:381-390. [PMID: 28697391 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2017] [Revised: 07/01/2017] [Accepted: 07/03/2017] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to inorganic arsenic (inAs), a potent toxicant, occurs primarily through ingestion of food and water. The efficiency with which it is methylated to mono and dimethyl arsenicals (MMA and DMA) affects toxicity. Folate, vitamins B12 and B6 are required for 1C metabolism, and studies have found that higher levels of these nutrients increase methylation capacity and are associated with protection against adverse health effects from inAs, especially in undernourished populations. Our aim was to determine whether 1C-related nutrients are associated with greater inAs methylation capacity in a general population sample with overall adequate nutrition and low levels of As exposure. Univariate and multivariable regression models were used to evaluate the relationship of dietary and blood nutrients to urinary As methylation in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003-2004. Outcome variables were the percent of the sum of inAs and methylated As species (inAs+MMA+DMA) excreted as inAs, MMA, and DMA, and the ratio of MMA:DMA. In univariate models, dietary folate, vitamin B6 and protein intake were associated with lower urinary inAs% and greater DMA% in adults (≥18years), with similar trends in children (6-18). In adjusted models, vitamin B6 intake (p=0.011) and RBC folate (p=0.036) were associated with lower inAs%, while dietary vitamin B12 was associated with higher inAs% (p=0.002) and lower DMA% (p=0.030). Total plasma homocysteine was associated with higher MMA% (p=0.004) and lower DMA% (p=0.003), but not with inAs%; other blood nutrients showed no association with urinary As. Although effect size is small, these findings suggest that 1C nutrients can influence inAs methylation and potentially play an indirect role in reducing toxicity in a general population sample.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret Kurzius-Spencer
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA; Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.
| | - Vanessa da Silva
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Cynthia A Thomson
- Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA; Department of Nutritional Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA; The University of Arizona Cancer Center, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Vern Hartz
- The University of Arizona Cancer Center, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Chiu-Hsieh Hsu
- Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA; The University of Arizona Cancer Center, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Jefferey L Burgess
- Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Mary Kay O'Rourke
- Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Robin B Harris
- Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA; The University of Arizona Cancer Center, Tucson, AZ, USA
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Torres-Sánchez L, López-Carrillo L, Rosado JL, Rodriguez VM, Vera-Aguilar E, Kordas K, García-Vargas GG, Cebrian ME. Sex differences in the reduction of arsenic methylation capacity as a function of urinary total and inorganic arsenic in Mexican children. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2016; 151:38-43. [PMID: 27450997 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2016.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2016] [Revised: 07/13/2016] [Accepted: 07/14/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Chronic arsenic (As) exposure decreases adult and children's ability to methylate inorganic As (iAs); however, few studies have examined children's sex differences. We measured urinary concentrations of iAs, monomethylarsonic (MMA), and dimethylarsinic (DMA) acids, and calculated the primary (PMI: MMA/iAs) and secondary (SMI: DMA/MMA) methylation capacity indexes in 591 children 6-8 years in Torreón, Mexico. We determined iAs, MMA, and DMA by hydride generation cryotrapping AAS. Lineal regression models estimated associations between methylation capacity and total As (TAs) or iAs. Interactions with sex were tested at p<0.10. Boys had significantly higher TAs levels, (58.4µg/L) than girls (46.2µg/L). We observed negative associations between TAs and PMI (β=-0.039; p<0.18) and SMI (β=-0.08; p=0.002) with significant sex differences; PMI reduction was significant in boys (β=-0.09; p=0.02) but not in girls (β=0.021; p=0.63), p for interaction=0.06. In contrast, SMI reduction was significantly more pronounced in girls. Furthermore, negative associations PMI (β=-0.19; p<0.001) and SMI (β=-0.35; p<0.001) were a function of urinary iAs levels, independently of TAs; however, the reduction in PMI was more pronounced in boys (β=-0.24; p<0.001; girls β=-0.15; p<0.001), p for interaction=0.04. A significant negative association was observed between SMI and iAs levels without significant sex differences. TAs and iAs associations with metabolite percentages were in good agreement with those observed with methylation indexes. Our results suggest that iAs plays an important role in reducing As methylation ability and that significant sex differences are present in As metabolism. These differences merit further investigation to confirm our findings and their potential implications for arsenic toxicity in children.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jorge L Rosado
- Escuela de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Querétaro, Querétaro, Mexico
| | - Valentina M Rodriguez
- International Exchange Program for Minority Students, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Eunice Vera-Aguilar
- Departamento de Farmacología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, México City, Mexico
| | - Katarzyna Kordas
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Gonzalo G García-Vargas
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Juárez del Estado de Durango, Gómez Palacio, Durango, Mexico
| | - Mariano E Cebrian
- Departamento de Toxicología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, México City, Mexico.
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Escudero-Lourdes C. Toxicity mechanisms of arsenic that are shared with neurodegenerative diseases and cognitive impairment: Role of oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. Neurotoxicology 2016; 53:223-235. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2016.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2014] [Revised: 02/01/2016] [Accepted: 02/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Recio-Vega R, Gonzalez-Cortes T, Olivas-Calderon E, Lantz RC, Gandolfi AJ, Gonzalez-De Alba C. In utero and early childhood exposure to arsenic decreases lung function in children. J Appl Toxicol 2015; 35:358-66. [PMID: 25131850 PMCID: PMC4750377 DOI: 10.1002/jat.3023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2014] [Revised: 03/12/2014] [Accepted: 04/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The lung is a target organ for adverse health outcomes following exposure to As. Several studies have reported a high prevalence of respiratory symptoms and diseases in subjects highly exposed to As through drinking water; however, most studies to date has been performed in exposed adults, with little information on respiratory effects in children. The objective of the study was to evaluate the association between urinary levels of As and its metabolites with lung function in children exposed in utero and in early childhood to high As levels through drinking water. A total of 358 healthy children were included in our study. Individual exposure was assessed based on urinary concentration of inorganic As. Lung function was assessed by spirometry. Participants were exposed since pregnancy until early childhood to an average water As concentration of 152.13 µg l⁻¹. The mean urinary As level registered in the studied subjects was 141.2 µg l⁻¹ and only 16.7% had a urinary concentration below the national concern level. Forced vital capacity was significantly decreased in the studied population and it was negatively associated with the percentage of inorganic As. More than 57% of the subjects had a restrictive spirometric pattern. The urinary As level was higher in those children with restrictive lung patterns when compared with the levels registered in subjects with normal spirometric patterns. Exposure to As through drinking water during in utero and early life was associated with a decrease in forced vital capacity and with a restrictive spirometric pattern in the children evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rogelio Recio-Vega
- Department of Environmental Health, Biomedical Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Coahuila, Torreón, Coahuila, Mexico
| | - Tania Gonzalez-Cortes
- Department of Environmental Health, Biomedical Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Coahuila, Torreón, Coahuila, Mexico
| | - Edgar Olivas-Calderon
- Department of Environmental Health, Biomedical Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Coahuila, Torreón, Coahuila, Mexico
| | - R. Clark Lantz
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
- Southwest Environmental Health Science Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - A. Jay Gandolfi
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
- Southwest Environmental Health Science Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Cesar Gonzalez-De Alba
- Department of Environmental Health, Biomedical Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Coahuila, Torreón, Coahuila, Mexico
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Ciarrocca M, Tomei G, Palermo P, Caciari T, Cetica C, Fiaschetti M, Gioffrè PA, Tasciotti Z, Tomei F, Sancini A. Environmental and biological monitoring of arsenic in outdoor workers exposed to urban air pollutants. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2012; 215:555-61. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2011.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2011] [Revised: 11/19/2011] [Accepted: 11/22/2011] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Saoudi A, Zeghnoun A, Bidondo ML, Garnier R, Cirimele V, Persoons R, Fréry N. Urinary arsenic levels in the French adult population: the French National Nutrition and Health Study, 2006-2007. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2012; 433:206-215. [PMID: 22796411 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2012.06.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2012] [Revised: 06/11/2012] [Accepted: 06/14/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The French Nutrition and Health Survey (ENNS) was conducted to describe dietary intakes, nutritional status, physical activity, and levels of various biomarkers for environmental chemicals (heavy metals and pesticides) in the French population (adults aged 18-74 years and children aged 3-17 years living in continental France in 2006-2007). The aim of this paper was to describe the distributions of total arsenic and the sum of iAs+MMA+DMA in the general adult population, and to present their main risk factors. In the arsenic study, 1500 and 1515 adults (requested to avoid seafood intake in the previous 3 days preceding urine collection) were included respectively for the analysis of the sum of inorganic arsenic (iAs) and its two metabolites, monomethylarsonic acid (MMA) and dimethylarsinic acid (DMA), and for the total arsenic. Results were presented as geometric means and selected percentiles of urinary arsenic concentrations (μg/L) and creatinine-adjusted urinary arsenic (μg/g of creatinine) for total arsenic, and the sum of inorganic arsenic and metabolites (iAs+MMA+DMA). The geometric mean concentration of the sum of iAs+MMA+DMA in the adult population living in France was 3.34 μg/g of creatinine [3.23-3.45] (3.75 μg/L [3.61-3.90]) with a 95th percentile of 8.9 μg/g of creatinine (10.68 μg/L). The geometric mean concentration of total arsenic was 11.96 μg/g of creatinine [11.41-12.53] (13.42 μg/L [12.77-14.09]) with a 95th percentile of 61.29 μg/g of creatinine (72.75 μg/L). Urinary concentrations of total arsenic and iAS+MMA+DMA were influenced by sociodemographic and economic factors, and by risk factors such as consumption of seafood products and of wine. In our study, covariate-adjusted geometric means demonstrated several slight differences, due to consumption of fish, shellfish/crustaceans or wine. This study provides the first reference value for arsenic in a representative sample of the French population not particularly exposed to high levels of arsenic (10 μg/g of creatinine). It shows that urinary arsenic concentrations in the French adult population (in particular concentrations of iAs+MMA+DMA) were relatively low compared with foreign data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdessattar Saoudi
- Institut de Veille Sanitaire, Département Santé Environnement, Saint-Maurice, France.
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Cho Y, Seo S, Choi SH, Lee S, Kim K, Kim HJ, Choi JW. Association of arsenic levels in soil and water with urinary arsenic concentration of residents in the vicinity of closed metal mines. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2012; 216:255-62. [PMID: 22704486 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2012.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2011] [Revised: 05/07/2012] [Accepted: 05/11/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Arsenic (As) pollution in the surroundings of metal mines has been observed, and may induce serious health problems, in particular cancer. Health hazard attributed to As in contaminated soil and water in the vicinity of closed or abandoned metal mines may be high. Little is known about how environmental exposure to As has affected the health of resident near closed metal mines. The objectives of this study were to compare the urinary level of As for those living near closed metal mines (the exposed group) with that of non-exposed group; and to investigate the correlation between As levels in soil (SoilAs) and water (WaterAs) and the urinary levels (UrineAs) of residents in the exposed group. Data for SoilAs and WaterAs were obtained from the national environmental survey performed between 2003 and 2005 by the Ministry of Environment in Korea. To measure UrineAs, 2674 and 237 subjects were selected from 67 closed metal mines (exposed areas) and two rural areas (non-exposed areas), respectively. Five milliliters of urine samples were taken, and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry was used to analyze UrineAs. Of all the exposed areas, high SoilAs and WaterAs areas that exceed the Korean standards of As in soil (6 mg/kg-soil) and stream or groundwater (0.05 mg/l-water) were classified to evaluate the health risks in high polluted areas. Also, high UrineAs group was defined as 20 μg/g creatinine or more. Student's t-test was performed to compare the UrineAs level between the exposed and non-exposed groups. The odds ratio (OR) was calculated by a logistic analysis to evaluate the risk for high UrineAs level from high SoilAs and WaterAs areas. The mean of urinary As were 8.90 ± 8.34 μg/g-creatinine for the exposed group and 7.68 ± 4.98 μg/g creatinine for the non-exposed group, respectively; and the significant difference of urinary As level was observed between both groups (p<0.05). Moreover, the means for urinary As of people in areas with high As level in soil and water were significantly higher than that for the control areas (p<0.001), and these differences were more pronounced for the As level in water. The odds of subjects with high UrineAs were positively and significantly associated with living in the areas with high As level in soil (OR=1.62; 95% C.I.=1.13-2.31). These associations were much stronger for the areas with high WaterAs (OR=3.79; 95% C.I.=2.32-6.19). These results indicate that the high level of As in environment may increase the risk of having high urinary As level of people in the exposed areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- YongMin Cho
- Institute for Occupational and Environmental Health, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Aelion CM, Davis HT, Lawson AB, Cai B, McDermott S. Associations of estimated residential soil arsenic and lead concentrations and community-level environmental measures with mother-child health conditions in South Carolina. Health Place 2012; 18:774-81. [PMID: 22579118 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2012.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2011] [Revised: 04/05/2012] [Accepted: 04/11/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
We undertook a community-level aggregate analysis in South Carolina, USA, to examine associations between mother-child conditions from a Medicaid cohort of pregnant women and their children using spatially interpolated arsenic (As) and lead (Pb) concentrations in three geographic case areas and a control area. Weeks of gestation at birth was significantly negatively correlated with higher estimated As (r(s) = -0.28, p = 0.01) and Pb (r(s) = -0.26, p = 0.02) concentrations in one case area. Higher estimated Pb concentrations were consistently positively associated with frequency of black mothers (all p < 0.02) and negatively associated with frequency of white mothers (all p < 0.01), suggesting a racial disparity with respect to Pb.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Marjorie Aelion
- School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 715 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA 01003, USA.
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Association of glutathione S-transferase Ω 1-1 polymorphisms (A140D and E208K) with the expression of interleukin-8 (IL-8), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), and apoptotic protease-activating factor 1 (Apaf-1) in humans chronically exposed to arsenic in drinking water. Arch Toxicol 2012; 86:857-68. [DOI: 10.1007/s00204-012-0802-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2011] [Accepted: 01/12/2012] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Fillol C, Dor F, Labat L, Boltz P, Le Bouard J, Mantey K, Mannschott C, Puskarczyk E, Viller F, Momas I, Seta N. Urinary arsenic concentrations and speciation in residents living in an area with naturally contaminated soils. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2010; 408:1190-1194. [PMID: 20004003 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2009.11.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2009] [Revised: 11/13/2009] [Accepted: 11/20/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
A cross sectional study was carried out to evaluate arsenic exposure of residents living in an area with a soil naturally rich in arsenic (As), through urinary measurements. During the summer of 2007, 322 people aged over 7 years and resident in the study area for at least 4 days prior to the investigation were recruited. The sum of urinary inorganic arsenic and metabolites (iAs+MMA+DMA) and speciation were determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry and high performance liquid chromatography coupled to inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, respectively. Geometric means levels of iAs+MMA+DMA were 3.6 microg/L or 4.4 microg/g creatinine. The percent of DMA, As(III) and MMA contribution to urinary arsenic concentrations was respectively 84.2%, 12% and 3.7%. We found significant associations between urinary arsenic concentrations and the consumption of seafood (p=0.03), the consumption of wine (p=0.03) and beer (p=0.001), respectively 3 and 4 days before the investigation. When we focus on the various species, As(V) was rarely detected and DMA is the predominant metabolite composing the majority of measurable inorganic-related As in the urine. Considering the percent of DMA contribution to iAs+MMA+DMA urinary concentrations, almost half of the subjects had 100% of DMA contribution whatever the concentration of urinary As whereas the others had a lower DMA contribution, between 39 and 90%. Arsenic levels reported in this original study in France were between 2 and 4 times lower than in other studies dealing with iAs+MMA+DMA levels associated with soil arsenic exposure. Arsenic levels were similar to those observed in unexposed individuals in European countries, although 10% were above the French guideline values for the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clémence Fillol
- Université Paris Descartes, Laboratoire Santé Publique et Environnement - EA 4064, Paris, France.
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Cleland B, Tsuchiya A, Kalman DA, Dills R, Burbacher TM, White JW, Faustman EM, Mariën K. Arsenic exposure within the Korean community (United States) based on dietary behavior and arsenic levels in hair, urine, air, and water. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2009; 117:632-8. [PMID: 19440504 PMCID: PMC2679609 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.11827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2008] [Accepted: 12/08/2008] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Determining arsenic exposure in groups based on geographic location, dietary behaviors, or lifestyles is important, as even moderate exposures may lead to health concerns. OBJECTIVES/METHODS The Korean community in Washington State, represents a group warranting investigation, as they consume foods (e.g., shellfish, rice, finfish, and seaweed) known to contain arsenic. As part of the Arsenic Mercury Intake Biometric Study, we examined the arsenic levels in hair and urine along with the diets of 108 women of childbearing age from within this community. Arsenic levels in indoor air and drinking water were also investigated, and shellfish commonly consumed were collected and analyzed for total and speciated arsenic. RESULTS The six shellfish species analyzed (n = 667) contain total arsenic (range, 1-5 microg/g) but are a small source of inorganic arsenic (range, 0.01-0.12 microg/g). Six percent of the individuals may have elevated urinary inorganic arsenic levels (> 10 microg/L) due to diet. Seaweed, rice, shellfish, and finfish are principal sources for total arsenic intake/excretion based on mass balance estimates. Rice consumption (163 g/person/day) may be a significant source of inorganic arsenic. Air and water are not significant sources of exposure. Hair is a poor biometric for examining arsenic levels at low to moderate exposures. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that a portion of this community may have dietary inorganic arsenic exposure resulting in urine levels exceeding 10 microg/L. Although their exposure is below that associated with populations exposed to high levels of arsenic from drinking water (> 100 microg/L), their exposure may be among the highest in the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bill Cleland
- Office of Environmental Health Assessments, Washington State Department of Health, Olympia, Washington, USA
| | - Ami Tsuchiya
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Services and
- Institute for Risk Analysis and Risk Communication, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - David A. Kalman
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Services and
| | - Russell Dills
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Services and
| | | | - Jim W. White
- Office of Environmental Health Assessments, Washington State Department of Health, Olympia, Washington, USA
| | - Elaine M. Faustman
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Services and
- Institute for Risk Analysis and Risk Communication, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Koenraad Mariën
- Office of Environmental Health Assessments, Washington State Department of Health, Olympia, Washington, USA
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14
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Caldwell KL, Jones RL, Verdon CP, Jarrett JM, Caudill SP, Osterloh JD. Levels of urinary total and speciated arsenic in the US population: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003-2004. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2009; 19:59-68. [PMID: 18523458 DOI: 10.1038/jes.2008.32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2008] [Accepted: 04/24/2008] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To provide levels of total and speciated urinary arsenic in a representative sample of the US population. METHODS For the first time, total arsenic and seven inorganic and organic arsenic species were measured in the urine of participants (n=2557) for the 2003-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Data were compiled as geometric means and selected percentiles of urinary arsenic concentrations (microg/l) and creatinine-corrected urinary arsenic (microg/g creatinine) for total arsenic, dimethylarsinic acid, arsenobetaine, and a sum of the inorganic related species. RESULTS Arsenic acid, arsenous acid, arsenocholine, and trimethylarsine oxide were detected in 7.6%, 4.6%, 1.8%, and 0.3% of the participants, respectively (the limits of detection of 0.6-1.2 microg/l). Monomethylarsonic acid was detected in 35% of the overall population. For all participants aged > or =6 years, dimethylarsinic acid (geometric mean of 3.71 microg/l) and arsenobetaine (geometric mean of 1.55 microg/l) had the greatest contribution to the total urinary arsenic levels. A relatively greater percentage contribution from arsenobetaine is seen at higher total urinary arsenic levels and from dimethylarsinic acid at lower total urinary arsenic levels. For all participants aged > or =6 years, the 95th percentiles for total urinary arsenic and the sum of inorganic-related arsenic (arsenic acid, arsenous acid, dimethylarsinic acid, and monomethylarsonic acid) were 65.4 and 18.9 microg/l, respectively. For total arsenic and dimethylarsinic acid, covariate-adjusted geometric means demonstrated several slight differences due to age, gender, and race/ethnicity. CONCLUSIONS The data reflect relative background contributions of inorganic and seafood-related arsenic exposures in the US population. Arsenobetaine and dimethylarsinic acid are the major arsenic species present with arsenobetaine, accounting for a greater proportion of total arsenic as total arsenic levels increase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen L Caldwell
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30341, USA.
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15
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Ghosh A, Mandal AK, Sarkar S, Panda S, Das N. Nanoencapsulation of quercetin enhances its dietary efficacy in combating arsenic-induced oxidative damage in liver and brain of rats. Life Sci 2008; 84:75-80. [PMID: 19036345 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2008.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2008] [Revised: 10/23/2008] [Accepted: 11/04/2008] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
AIMS This study was performed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of nanocapsulated flavonoidal quercetin (QC) in combating arsenic-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated oxidative damage in hepatocytes and brain cells in a rat model. MAIN METHODS Hepatic and neuronal cell damage in rats was made by a single injection (sc) of sodium arsenite (NaAsO(2), 13 mg/kg b. wt. in 0.5 ml of physiological saline). A single dose of 500 microl of quercetin suspension (QC) (QC 8.98 micromol/kg) or 500 microl of nanocapsulated QC (NPQC) (QC 8.98 micromol/kg) was given orally to rats at 90 min prior to the arsenite injection. KEY FINDINGS Inorganic arsenic depositions (182+/-15.6 and 110+/-12.8 ng/g protein) were found in hepatic and neuronal mitochondrial membranes. Antioxidant levels in hepatic and neuronal cells were reduced significantly by arsenic. NPQC prevented the arsenite-induced reduction in antioxidant levels in the liver and brain. Arsenic induced a substantial decrease in liver and brain cell membrane microviscosities, and NPQC treatment resulted in a unique protection against the loss. A significant correlation between mitochondrial arsenic and its conjugated diene level was observed both in liver and brain cells for all experimental rats. SIGNIFICANCE Arsenic-specific antidotes are used against arsenic-induced toxicity. However, the target site is poorly recognized and therefore achieving an active concentration of drug molecules can be a challenge. Thus, our objective was to formulate NPQC and to investigate its therapeutic potential in an oral route against arsenite-induced hepatic and neuronal cell damage in a rat model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aparajita Ghosh
- Biomembrane Division, Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4, Raja S.C. Mullick Road, Kolkata-700032, India
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16
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Lindberg AL, Ekström EC, Nermell B, Rahman M, Lönnerdal B, Persson LA, Vahter M. Gender and age differences in the metabolism of inorganic arsenic in a highly exposed population in Bangladesh. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2008; 106:110-20. [PMID: 17900557 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2007.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 170] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2007] [Revised: 08/16/2007] [Accepted: 08/21/2007] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Although genetic polymorphisms have been shown to explain some of the large variation observed in the metabolism of inorganic arsenic there may be several other factors playing an important role, e.g. nutrition. The objective of this study was to elucidate the influence of various factors on current arsenic exposure and metabolism in Matlab, a rural area in Bangladesh, where elevated water arsenic concentrations and malnutrition are prevalent. In total 1571 individuals, randomly selected from all inhabitants above 5 years of age, were investigated by measuring arsenic in urine and drinking water. In a subset of 526 randomly selected individuals, arsenic metabolites were speciated using HPLC coupled to inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HPLC-HG-ICPMS). A significant association was observed between arsenic in urine and drinking water (R2=0.41). The contribution to urinary arsenic from arsenic exposure from food and other water sources was calculated to be almost 50microg/L. The individuals in the present study had remarkably efficient methylation, in spite of high exposure and prevalence of malnutrition. Gender and age were major factors influencing arsenic metabolism in this population with a median of 77microg/L of arsenic in urine (range: 0.5-1994microg/L). Women had higher arsenic methylation efficiency than men, but only in childbearing age, supporting an influence of sex hormones. Overall, exposure level of arsenic, gender and age explained at most 30% of the variation in the present study, indicating that genetic polymorphisms are the most important factor influencing the metabolism of inorganic arsenic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna-Lena Lindberg
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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17
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Milton AH, Smith W, Dear K, Ng J, Sim M, Ranmuthugala G, Lokuge K, Caldwell B, Rahman A, Rahman H, Shraim A, Huang D, Shahidullah SM. A randomised intervention trial to assess two arsenic mitigation options in Bangladesh. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART A, TOXIC/HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING 2007; 42:1897-1908. [PMID: 17952791 DOI: 10.1080/10934520701567197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Arsenic groundwater contamination in Bangladesh warrants immediate remediation. This randomised controlled intervention trial was conducted to determine the effectiveness of two possible interventions: dug wells and three-pitcher filters. A total of 640 individuals participated with 218 randomised to the dug well group, 216 to the three-pitcher group and 206 to a control group. Data were collected at baseline and at 1, 6 and 12 months after the intervention. Self reported compliance with dug wells remained below 20% during the entire 12 months of the study. The compliance with the three-pitcher filters decreased after 6 months and became similar to the compliance of the dug well group after 12 months. A substantial decrease in urinary arsenic metabolites occurred only among those who were compliant with dug wells and three-pitcher filter systems after 1 month of intervention as opposed to control participants. However, a persistent reduction in urinary arsenic concentrations was observed only among the dug well users after 12 months of intervention. Our results show that a functional dug well could be offered as a long-term alternative to tube wells, but use of this option is likely to be low, unless appropriate behavioural change measures are taken. Our study also demonstrates that arsenic removal technologies such as three-pitcher filters are an effective option as a short-term measure. The three-pitcher filters that are not adequately maintained are not an effective option for a year. These arsenic removal technologies may be even harmful in the long term if the resultant water quality is not properly monitored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abul Hasnat Milton
- Centre for Clinical Epidemiology and Population Health (CCEB), The University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia.
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18
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Rubin CS, Holmes AK, Belson MG, Jones RL, Flanders WD, Kieszak SM, Osterloh J, Luber GE, Blount BC, Barr DB, Steinberg KK, Satten GA, McGeehin MA, Todd RL. Investigating childhood leukemia in Churchill County, Nevada. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2007; 115:151-7. [PMID: 17366836 PMCID: PMC1797848 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.9022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sixteen children diagnosed with acute leukemia between 1997 and 2002 lived in Churchill County, Nevada, at the time of or before their illness. Considering the county population and statewide cancer rate, fewer than two cases would be expected. OBJECTIVES In March 2001, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention led federal, state, and local agencies in a cross-sectional, case-comparison study to determine if ongoing environmental exposures posed a health risk to residents and to compare levels of contaminants in environmental and biologic samples collected from participating families. METHODS Surveys with more than 500 variables were administered to 205 people in 69 families. Blood, urine, and cheek cell samples were collected and analyzed for 139 chemicals, eight viral markers, and several genetic polymorphisms. Air, water, soil, and dust samples were collected from almost 80 homes to measure more than 200 chemicals. RESULTS The scope of this cancer cluster investigation exceeded any previous study of pediatric leukemia. Nonetheless, no exposure consistent with leukemia risk was identified. Overall, tungsten and arsenic levels in urine and water samples were significantly higher than national comparison values; however, levels were similar among case and comparison groups. CONCLUSIONS Although the cases in this cancer cluster may in fact have a common etiology, their small number and the length of time between diagnosis and our exposure assessment lessen the ability to find an association between leukemia and environmental exposures. Given the limitations of individual cancer cluster investigations, it may prove more efficient to pool laboratory and questionnaire data from similar leukemia clusters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol S Rubin
- National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30341, USA.
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19
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Lindberg AL, Goessler W, Gurzau E, Koppova K, Rudnai P, Kumar R, Fletcher T, Leonardi G, Slotova K, Gheorghiu E, Vahter M. Arsenic exposure in Hungary, Romania and Slovakia. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005; 8:203-8. [PMID: 16395480 DOI: 10.1039/b513206a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Inorganic arsenic is a potent human carcinogen and toxicant which people are exposed to mainly via drinking water and food. The objective of the present study was to assess current exposure to arsenic via drinking water in three European countries. For this purpose, 520 individuals from four Hungarian, two Slovakian and two Romanian countries were investigated by measuring inorganic arsenic and methylated arsenic metabolites in urine by high performance liquid chromatography with hydride generation and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Arsenic in drinking water was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. Significantly higher concentrations of arsenic were found in both the water and the urine samples from the Hungarian counties (median: 11 and 15 microg dm(-3), respectively; p < 0.001) than from the Slovakian (median: 0.94 and 4.5 microg dm(-3), respectively) and Romanian (median: 0.70 and 2.1 microg dm(-3), respectively) counties. A significant correlation was seen between arsenic in water and arsenic in urine (R(2)= 0.46). At low water arsenic concentrations, the relative amount of dimethylarsinic acid (DMA) in urine was increased, indicating exposure via food. Also, high body mass index was associated with higher concentrations of arsenic in urine (p= 0.03), mostly in the form of DMA. Smokers had significantly higher urinary arsenic concentrations than non-smokers (p= 0.03). In conclusion, elevated arsenic exposure via drinking water was prevalent in some of the counties. Exposure to arsenic from food, mainly as DMA, and cigarette smoke, mainly as inorganic arsenic, are major determinants of arsenic exposure at very low concentrations of arsenic in drinking water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna-Lena Lindberg
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Box 210, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
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20
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Tseng CH, Huang YK, Huang YL, Chung CJ, Yang MH, Chen CJ, Hsueh YM. Arsenic exposure, urinary arsenic speciation, and peripheral vascular disease in blackfoot disease-hyperendemic villages in Taiwan. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2005; 206:299-308. [PMID: 16039941 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2004.11.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 227] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2004] [Revised: 11/03/2004] [Accepted: 11/17/2004] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Long-term exposure to ingested inorganic arsenic is associated with peripheral vascular disease (PVD) in the blackfoot disease (BFD)-hyperendemic area in Taiwan. This study further examined the interaction between arsenic exposure and urinary arsenic speciation on the risk of PVD. A total of 479 (220 men and 259 women) adults residing in the BFD-hyperendemic area were studied. Doppler ultrasound was used to diagnose PVD. Arsenic exposure was estimated by an index of cumulative arsenic exposure (CAE). Urinary levels of total arsenic, inorganic arsenite (As(III)) and arsenate (As(V)), monomethylarsonic acid (MMA(V)), and dimethylarsinic acid (DMA(V)) were determined. Primary methylation index [PMI = MMA(V)/(As(III) + As(V))] and secondary methylation index (SMI = DMA(V)/MMA(V)) were calculated. The association between PVD and urinary arsenic parameters was evaluated with consideration of the interaction with CAE and the confounding effects of age, sex, body mass index, total cholesterol, triglycerides, cigarette smoking, and alcohol consumption. Results showed that aging was associated with a diminishing capacity to methylate inorganic arsenic and women possessed a more efficient arsenic methylation capacity than men did. PVD risk increased with a higher CAE and a lower capacity to methylate arsenic to DMA(V). The multivariate-adjusted odds ratios for CAE of 0, 0.1-15.4, and >15.4 mg/L x year were 1.00, 3.41 (0.74-15.78), and 4.62 (0.96-22.21), respectively (P < 0.05, trend test); and for PMI < or = 1.77 and SMI > 6.93, PMI > 1.77 and SMI > 6.93, PMI > 1.77 and SMI < or = 6.93, and PMI < or = 1.77 and SMI < or = 6.93 were 1.00, 2.93 (0.90-9.52), 2.85 (1.05-7.73), and 3.60 (1.12-11.56), respectively (P < 0.05, trend test). It was concluded that individuals with a higher arsenic exposure and a lower capacity to methylate inorganic arsenic to DMA(V) have a higher risk of developing PVD in the BFD-hyperendemic area in Taiwan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chin-Hsiao Tseng
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
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21
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Hinwood AL, Sim MR, Jolley D, de Klerk N, Bastone EB, Gerostamoulos J, Drummer OH. Exposure to inorganic arsenic in soil increases urinary inorganic arsenic concentrations of residents living in old mining areas. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2004; 26:27-36. [PMID: 15214611 DOI: 10.1023/b:egah.0000020897.15564.93] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The short term human exposure studies conducted on populations exposed to high concentrations of inorganic arsenic in soil have been inconsistent in demonstrating a relationship between environmental concentrations and exposure measures. In Australia there are many areas with very high arsenic concentrations in residential soil most typically associated with gold mining activities in rural areas. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between environmental arsenic and urinary inorganic arsenic concentrations in a population living in a gold mining area (soil arsenic concentrations between 9 and 9900 mg kg(-1)), and a control population with low arsenic levels in soil (between 1 and 80 mg kg(-1)). Risk factors for increased urinary arsenic concentrations were also explored. There was a weak but significant relationship between soil arsenic concentrations and inorganic urinary arsenic concentration with a Spearman correlation coefficient of 0.39. When participants with greater than 100 mg kg(-1) arsenic in residential soil were selected, the coefficient increased to 0.64. The geometric mean urinary inorganic arsenic concentration for the exposed group was 1.64 microg L(-1) (<detection limit -28.4 microg L(-1)) and for the control group was 1.18 microg L(-1) (<detection limit -4.69 microg L(-1)). Participants with residential soil in excess of 1000 mg kg(-1) recorded a geometric mean urinary inorganic arsenic concentration of 2.46 microg L(-1). In a random effects linear regression model, soil arsenic concentration was the significant predictor of increased urinary arsenic concentrations. Season was shown to have a significant influence on urinary inorganic arsenic concentrations. Other factors such as age, gender and hours of contact with soil may also be important risk factors. These results show that high concentrations of arsenic in soil can make a contribution to urinary inorganic arsenic concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea L Hinwood
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.
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22
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Wu JZ, Ho PC. Speciation of inorganic and methylated arsenic compounds by capillary zone electrophoresis with indirect UV detection. J Chromatogr A 2004; 1026:261-70. [PMID: 14763753 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2003.10.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
A capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) method with indirect UV detection was developed to simultaneously separate inorganic and organic arsenic compounds including arsenite (iAsIII), arsenate (iAsV), monomethylarsonate and dimethylarsenic acid (DMAV). 2,6-Pyridinedicarboxylic acid (PDC) and n-hexadecyltrimethylammonium hydroxide (CTAOH) were selected to compose a background electrolyte (BGE), where PDC was used as chromophore and CTAOH functioned as electroosmotic flow (EOF) modifier to reduce/eliminate EOF. The choice of detection wavelength, the optimization of BGE pH, and effects of applied electric field strength and temperature on separation were further investigated. The limits of detection for the targeted analytes were between 0.19 and 0.23 ppm as molecule. Good linearity of more than three orders of magnitude was obtained. Repeatability of migration times and peaks areas were 0.8-1.7 and 3.4-6.9% R.S.D.; whereas reproducibility were 1.2-2.2 and 3.6-7.1% R.S.D., respectively. The established CZE method was then applied to analyze the alkali extracts of realgar (As2S2) and orpiment (As2S3). The main components in both alkali extracts were identified to be iAsIII and iAsV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Zhu Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, National University of Singapore, 18 Science Drive, Singapore 117543, Singapore
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23
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Hopenhayn C, Huang B, Christian J, Peralta C, Ferreccio C, Atallah R, Kalman D. Profile of urinary arsenic metabolites during pregnancy. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2003; 111:1888-91. [PMID: 14644662 PMCID: PMC1241762 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.6254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Chronic exposure to inorganic arsenic (In-As) from drinking water is associated with different health effects, including skin, lung, bladder, and kidney cancer as well as vascular and possibly reproductive effects. In-As is metabolized through the process of methylation, resulting in the production and excretion of methylated species, mainly monomethylarsenate (MMA) and dimethylarsenate (DMA). Because a large percentage of the dose is excreted in urine, the distribution of urinary In-As, MMA, and DMA is considered a useful indicator of methylation patterns in human populations. Several factors affect these patterns, including sex and exposure level. In this study, we investigated the profile of urinary In-As, MMA, and DMA of pregnant women. Periodic urine samples were collected from early to late pregnancy among 29 pregnant women living in Antofagasta, Chile, who drank tap water containing 40 micro g/L In-As. The total urinary arsenic across four sampling periods increased with increasing weeks of gestation, from an initial mean value of 36.1 to a final value of 54.3 micro g/L. This increase was mainly due to an increase in DMA, resulting in lower percentages of In-As and MMA and a higher percentage of DMA. Our findings indicate that among women exposed to moderate arsenic from drinking water during pregnancy, changes occur in the pattern of urinary arsenic excretion and metabolite distribution. The toxicologic significance of this is not clear, given recent evidence suggesting that intermediate methylated species may be highly toxic. Nevertheless, this study suggests that arsenic metabolism changes throughout the course of pregnancy, which in turn may have toxicologic effects on the developing fetus. Key words: arsenic, arsenic metabolism, arsenic methylation, Chile, pregnancy, urinary arsenic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Hopenhayn
- School of Public Health, University of Kentucky, Lexington 40504-3381, USA.
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24
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Beck BD, Slayton TM, Farr CH, Sved DW, Crecelius EA, Holson JF. Systemic uptake of inhaled arsenic in rabbits. Hum Exp Toxicol 2002; 21:205-15. [PMID: 12099622 DOI: 10.1191/0960327102ht237oa] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Human occupational exposure to sufficiently high levels of arsenic in air has been associated with lung cancer, but generally not other types of cancer. Thus, a better understanding of the relationship between airborne arsenic exposures and systemic uptake is essential. In this study, rabbits were exposed to one of four levels of arsenic trioxide in air for 8 h/day, 7 days/week, for 8 weeks (0.05, 0.1, 0.22, or 1.1 mg/m3). Plasma levels of inorganic arsenic, monomethylarsonic acid (MMA), and dimethylarsinic acid (DMA) were measured following the last exposure. Although there was a dose-related increase in plasma levels of methylated arsenic metabolites, statistically significant increases in mean inorganic arsenic levels in plasma were observed only in male rabbits exposed to 0.22 mg/m3, and in both males and females exposed to 1.1 mg/m3. Mean inorganic arsenic levels in plasma in males and females exposed to 0.05 and 0.1 mg/m3, and females exposed to 0.22 mg/m3, were not significantly elevated compared to controls. These results suggest that arsenic inhalation has a negligible impact on body burden of inorganic arsenic until air levels are significantly elevated. Based on plasma measurements of inorganic arsenic, the two lowest exposure levels in this study (0.05 and 0.1 mg/m3) are indistinguishable from background.
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Affiliation(s)
- B D Beck
- Gradient Corporation, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, USA.
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25
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Le XC, Lu X, Ma M, Cullen WR, Aposhian HV, Zheng B. Speciation of key arsenic metabolic intermediates in human urine. Anal Chem 2000; 72:5172-7. [PMID: 11080860 DOI: 10.1021/ac000527u] [Citation(s) in RCA: 212] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Biomethylation is the major human metabolic pathway for inorganic arsenic, and the speciation of arsenic metabolites is essential to a better understanding of arsenic metabolism and health effects. Here we describe a technique for the speciation of arsenic in human urine and demonstrate its application to the discovery of key arsenic metabolic intermediates, monomethylarsonous acid (MMAIII) and dimethylarsinous acid (DMAIII), in human urine. The study provides a direct evidence in support of the proposed arsenic methylation pathway in the human. The finding of MMAIII and DMAIII in human urine, along with recent studies showing the high toxicity of these arsenicals, suggests that the usual belief of arsenic detoxification by methylation needs to be reconsidered. The arsenic speciation technique is based on ion pair chromatographic separation of arsenic species on a 3-micron particle size column at 50 degrees C followed by hydride generation atomic fluorescence detection. Speciation of MMAIII, DMAIII, arsenite (AsIII), arsenate (AsV), monomethylarsonic acid (MMAV), and dimethylarsinic acid (DMAV) in urine samples is complete in 6 min with detection limits of 0.5-2 micrograms/L. There is no need for any sample pretreatment. The capability of rapid analysis of trace levels of arsenic species, which resulted in the findings of the key metabolic intermediates, makes the technique useful for routine arsenic speciation analysis required for toxicological and epidemiological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- X C Le
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
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26
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Le XC, Ma M, Cullen WR, Aposhian HV, Lu X, Zheng B. Determination of monomethylarsonous acid, a key arsenic methylation intermediate, in human urine. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2000; 108:1015-8. [PMID: 11102289 PMCID: PMC1240155 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.001081015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
In this study we report on the finding of monomethylarsonous acid [MMA(III)] in human urine. This newly identified arsenic species is a key intermediate in the metabolic pathway of arsenic biomethylation, which involves stepwise reduction of pentavalent to trivalent arsenic species followed by oxidative addition of a methyl group. Arsenic speciation was carried out using ion-pair chromatographic separation of arsenic compounds with hydride generation atomic fluorescence spectrometry detection. Speciation of the inorganic arsenite [As(III)], inorganic arsenate [As(V)], monomethylarsonic acid [MMA(V)], dimethylarsinic acid [DMA(V)], and MMA(III) in a urine sample was complete in 5 min. Urine samples collected from humans before and after a single oral administration of 300 mg sodium 2,3-dimercapto-1-propane sulfonate (DMPS) were analyzed for arsenic species. MMA(III) was found in 51 out of 123 urine samples collected from 41 people in inner Mongolia 0-6 hr after the administration of DMPS. MMA(III )in urine samples did not arise from the reduction of MMA(V) by DMPS. DMPS probably assisted the release of MMA(III) that was formed in the body. Along with the presence of MMA(III), there was an increase in the relative concentration of MMA(V) and a decrease in DMA(V) in the urine samples collected after the DMPS ingestion.
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Affiliation(s)
- X C Le
- University of Alberta, Department of Public Health Sciences, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
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Feldmann J, Lai VWM, Cullen WR, Ma M, Lu X, Le XC. Sample Preparation and Storage Can Change Arsenic Speciation in Human Urine. Clin Chem 1999. [DOI: 10.1093/clinchem/45.11.1988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Stability of chemical speciation during sample handling and storage is a prerequisite to obtaining reliable results of trace element speciation analysis. There is no comprehensive information on the stability of common arsenic species, such as inorganic arsenite [As(III)], arsenate [As(V)], monomethylarsonic acid, dimethylarsinic acid, and arsenobetaine, in human urine.
Methods: We compared the effects of the following storage conditions on the stability of these arsenic species: temperature (25, 4, and −20 °C), storage time (1, 2, 4, and 8 months), and the use of additives (HCl, sodium azide, benzoic acid, benzyltrimethylammonium chloride, and cetylpyridinium chloride). HPLC with both inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and hydride generation atomic fluorescence detection techniques were used for the speciation of arsenic.
Results: We found that all five of the arsenic species were stable for up to 2 months when urine samples were stored at 4 and −20 °C without any additives. For longer period of storage (4 and 8 months), the stability of arsenic species was dependent on urine matrices. Whereas the arsenic speciation in some urine samples was stable for the entire 8 months at both 4 and −20 °C, other urine samples stored under identical conditions showed substantial changes in the concentration of As(III), As(V), monomethylarsonic acid, and dimethylarsinic acid. The use of additives did not improve the stability of arsenic speciation in urine. The addition of 0.1 mol/L HCl (final concentration) to urine samples produced relative changes in inorganic As(III) and As(V) concentrations.
Conclusions: Low temperature (4 and −20 °C) conditions are suitable for the storage of urine samples for up to 2 months. Untreated samples maintain their concentration of arsenic species, and additives have no particular benefit. Strong acidification is not appropriate for speciation analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jörg Feldmann
- University of Aberdeen, Department of Chemistry, Old Aberdeen, AB24 3UE Scotland, UK
| | - Vivian W-M Lai
- University of British Columbia, Department of Chemistry, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6T 1Z1
| | - William R Cullen
- University of British Columbia, Department of Chemistry, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6T 1Z1
| | - Mingsheng Ma
- University of Alberta, Department of Public Health Sciences, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2G3
| | - Xiufen Lu
- University of Alberta, Department of Public Health Sciences, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2G3
| | - X Chris Le
- University of Alberta, Department of Public Health Sciences, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2G3
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Benin AL, Sargent JD, Dalton M, Roda S. High concentrations of heavy metals in neighborhoods near ore smelters in northern Mexico. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 1999; 107:279-84. [PMID: 10090706 PMCID: PMC1566526 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.99107279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
In developing countries, rapid industrialization without environmental controls has resulted in heavy metal contamination of communities. We hypothesized that residential neighborhoods located near ore industries in three northern Mexican cities would be heavily polluted with multiple contaminants (arsenic, cadmium, and lead) and that these sites would be point sources for the heavy metals. To evaluate these hypotheses, we obtained samples of roadside surface dust from residential neighborhoods within 2 m of metal smelters [Torreón (n = 19)] and Chihuahua (n = 19)] and a metal refinery [Monterrey (n = 23)]. Heavy metal concentrations in dust were mapped with respect to distance from the industrial sites. Correlation between dust metal concentration and distance was estimated with least-squares regression using log-transformed data. Median dust arsenic, cadmium, and lead concentrations were 32, 10, and 277 microg/g, respectively, in Chihuahua; 42, 2, and 467 microg/g, respectively, in Monterrey, and 113, 112, and 2,448 microg/g, respectively, in Torreón. Dust concentrations of all heavy metals were significantly higher around the active smelter in Torreón, where more than 90% of samples exceeded Superfund cleanup goals. At all sites, dust concentrations were inversely related to distance from the industrial source, implicating these industries as the likely source of the contamination. We concluded that residential neighborhoods around metal smelting and refining sites in these three cities are contaminated by heavy metals at concentrations likely to pose a health threat to people living nearby. Evaluations of human exposure near these sites should be conducted. Because multiple heavy metal pollutants may exist near smelter sites, researchers should avoid attributing toxicity to one heavy metal unless others have been measured and shown not to coexist.
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Affiliation(s)
- A L Benin
- Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center Department of Pediatrics, Dartmouth Medical School, Lebanon, NH 03766, USA
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Abstract
Thousands of people in different parts of the world are exposed to arsenic via drinking water or contaminated soil or food. The high general toxic of arsenic has been known for centuries, and research during the last decades has shown that arsenic is a potent human carcinogen. However, most experimental cancer studies have failed to demonstrate carcinogenicity in experimental animals, indicating marked variation in sensitivity towards arsenic toxicity between species. It has also been suggested that there is a variation in susceptibility among human individuals. One reason for such variability in toxic response may be variation in metabolism. Inorganic arsenic is methylated in humans as well as animals and micro-organisms, but there are considerable differences between species and individuals. In many, but not all, mammalian species, inorganic arsenic is methylated to methylarsonic acid (MMA) and dimethylarsinic acid (DMA), which are more rapidly excreted in urine than is the inorganic arsenic, especially the trivalent form (AsIII, arsenite) which is highly reactive with tissue components. Absorbed arsenate (AsV) is reduced to trivalent arsenic (AsIII) before the methyl groups are attached. It has been estimated that as much as 50-70% of absorbed AsV is rapidly reduced to AsIII, a reaction which seems to be common for most species. In most experimental animal species, DMA is the main metabolite excreted in urine. Compared to human subjects, very little MMA is produced. However, the rate of methylation varies considerably between species, and several species, e.g. the marmoset monkey and the chimpanzee have been shown not to methylate inorganic arsenic at all. In addition, the marmoset monkey accumulates arsenic in the liver. The rat, on the other hand, has an efficient methylation of arsenic but the formed DMA is to a large extent accumulated in the red blood cells. As a result, the rat shows a low rate of excretion of arsenic. In both human subjects and rodents exposed to DMA, about 5% of the dose is excreted in the urine as trimethylarsine oxide. It is obvious from studies on human volunteers exposed to specified doses of inorganic arsenic that the rate of excretion increases with the methylation efficiency, and there are large inter-individual variations in the methylation of arsenic. Recent studies on people exposed to arsenic via drinking water in northern Argentina have shown unusually low urinary excretion of MMA. Furthermore, children had a lower degree of methylation of arsenic than adults. Some studies indicate a lower degree of arsenic methylation in men than in women, especially during pregnancy. Whether the observed differences in methylation of arsenic are associated with variations in the susceptibility of arsenic remains to be investigated.
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Ruiz-Navarro ML, Navarro-Alarcón M, Lopez González-de la Serrana H, Pérez-Valero V, López-Martinez MC. Urine arsenic concentrations in healthy adults as indicators of environmental contamination: relation with some pathologies. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 1998; 216:55-61. [PMID: 9618928 DOI: 10.1016/s0048-9697(98)00136-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Arsenic concentrations were determined in 126 urine samples by hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry. Samples were mineralized with nitric acid in a thermostated mineralization block. This technique was compared with a method that involves mineralization in a microwave digestion bomb. A mean recovery percentage of 100.80 +/- 5.57% was obtained. The relative standard deviation ranged from 1.7 to 10.52%. It was found that subject sex and age did not affect urine As levels (P > 0.05). The mean urine As levels in patients with hepatic injury (4.24 +/- 1.98 micrograms/l), diabetes (3.44 +/- 2.36 micrograms/l) and myocardial infarction (3.64 +/- 1.85 micrograms/l) were not statistically different (P > 0.05) to that found in the control group (healthy subjects) (3.68 +/- 2.27 micrograms/l). This result could be related to the fact that the regulation of As in the human organism is independent of these diseases. Measured As concentrations in the eight basic health zones of the study area were not statistically different (P > 0.01). This fact demonstrates the existence of a similarly low environmental As distribution in coastal and mountainous zones.
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Affiliation(s)
- M L Ruiz-Navarro
- Department of Nutrition and Bromatology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Granada, Spain
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Biggs ML, Kalman DA, Moore LE, Hopenhayn-Rich C, Smith MT, Smith AH. Relationship of urinary arsenic to intake estimates and a biomarker of effect, bladder cell micronuclei. Mutat Res 1997; 386:185-95. [PMID: 9219557 DOI: 10.1016/s1383-5742(97)00012-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate methods for ascertaining arsenic exposure for use in biomarker studies. Urinary arsenic concentration is considered a good measure of recent arsenic exposure and is commonly used to monitor exposure in environmental and occupational settings. However, measurements reflect exposure only in the last few days. To cover longer time periods exposure can be estimated using arsenic intake data, calculated by combining measures of environmental arsenic and inhalation/ingestion rates. We compared these different exposure assessment approaches in a population chronically exposed to arsenic in drinking water in northern Chile. The study group consisted of 232 people, some drinking water low in arsenic (15 micrograms/l) and others drinking water with high arsenic concentrations (up to 670 micrograms/l). First morning urine samples and questionnaire data, including fluid intake information, were collected from all participants. Exfoliated bladder cells were collected from male participants for the bladder cell micronuclei assay. Eight different indices of exposure were generated, six based on urinary arsenic (microgram As/l urine; microgram As/g creatinine; microgram InAs/l urine; microgram MMA/l urine; microgram DMA/l urine; microgram As/h, excreted), and two on fluid intake data (microgram As/day, ingested; microgram As/l fluid ingested-day). The relationship between the different exposure indices was explored using correlation analysis. In men, exposure indices were also related to a biomarker of effect, bladder cell micronuclei. While creatinine-adjusted urinary arsenic concentrations had the strongest correlations with the two intake estimates (r = 0.76, r = 0.81), unadjusted urinary arsenic showed the strongest relationship with bladder cell micronuclei. These data suggest that, in the case of the bladder, unadjusted urinary arsenic concentrations better reflect the effective target organ dose compared to other exposure measures for biomarker studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- M L Biggs
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley 94720-7360, USA
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Chiou HY, Hsueh YM, Hsieh LL, Hsu LI, Hsu YH, Hsieh FI, Wei ML, Chen HC, Yang HT, Leu LC, Chu TH, Chen-Wu C, Yang MH, Chen CJ. Arsenic methylation capacity, body retention, and null genotypes of glutathione S-transferase M1 and T1 among current arsenic-exposed residents in Taiwan. Mutat Res 1997; 386:197-207. [PMID: 9219558 DOI: 10.1016/s1383-5742(97)00005-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 162] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
In order to elucidate the relationships among arsenic methylation capacity, body retention, and genetic polymorphisms of glutathione S-transferase (GST) M1 and T1, a total of 115 study subjects were recruited from Lanyang Basin located on the northeast coast of Taiwan. Specimens of drinking water, blood, urine, hair and toenail were collected from each study subject. Urinary inorganic and methylated arsenic were speciated by high performance liquid chromatography combined with hydride-generation atomic absorption spectrometry. Arsenic concentration in hair and toenail were quantitated by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The polymerase chain reaction was used to determine genetic polymorphisms of GST M1 and T1. Arsenic concentrations in urine, hair, and toenail of study subjects were positively correlated with arsenic levels in their drinking water. Percentages of various arsenic species in urine (mean +/- standard error (SE) were 11.8 +/- 1.0, 26.9 +/- 1.2 and 61.3 +/- 1.4, respectively, for inorganic arsenic, monomethylarsonic acid (MMA) and dimethylarsinic acid (DMA). Men and women had similar arsenic methylation capability. No associations were observed between arsenic methylation capability and arsenic content in either drinking water or urine. Ratios of arsenic contents in hair and toenail to urinary arsenic content (mean +/- standard error) were 6.2 +/- 0.7 and 16.5 +/- 1.7, respectively. Genetic polymorphisms of GST M1 and T1 were significantly associated with arsenic methylation. Subjects having the null genotype of GST M1 had an increased percentage of inorganic arsenic in urine, while those with null genotype of GST T1 had an elevated percentage of DMA in urine. Arsenic contents in hair and toenail were significantly correlated with the increase in arsenic concentrations of drinking water and urine, while no significant associations were observed between arsenic contents in hair and toenail and polymorphisms of GST M1 and T1. The relationship between arsenic methylation capability and body retention was modified by genetic polymorphisms of GST M1 and T1. Arsenic contents in hair and toenail were negatively associated with MMA percentage and positively associated with DMA percentage among subjects having null genotypes of GST M1 and T1, but not among those with non-null genotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Y Chiou
- School of Public Health, Taipei Medical College, Taiwan
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Goessler W, Schlagenhaufen C, Kuehnelt D, Greschonig H, Irgolic KJ. Can Humans Metabolize Arsenic Compounds to Arsenobetaine? Appl Organomet Chem 1997. [DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1099-0739(199704)11:4<327::aid-aoc589>3.0.co;2-q] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Needham LL, Patterson DG, Burse VW, Paschal DC, Turner WE, Hill RH. Reference range data for assessing exposure to selected environmental toxicants. Toxicol Ind Health 1996; 12:507-13. [PMID: 8843567 DOI: 10.1177/074823379601200322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
We analyzed blood and urine specimens from 32 charter boat captains, anglers, and spouses from both groups, who reportedly ate fish from Lakes Michigan, Huron, or Erie, for selected environmental toxicants. The toxicants measured in serum were polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), coplanar polychlorinated biphenyls, other polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and persistent pesticides. Nonpersistent pesticides and elements were measured in urine; and elements were measured in blood. Internal dose levels of these toxicants will be compared to reference range data that we have compiled. These reference range data will be used to ascertain the exposure status of individuals or groups within this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- L L Needham
- Division of Environmental Health Laboratory Sciences, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30341-3714, USA
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Arsenic is a chemical carcinogen that exists naturally and in the workplace. OBJECTIVES Review exposure, clinical signs of arsenic exposure, and the carcinogenic potential. METHOD Review of literature. RESULTS Arsenic is a known carcinogen that occurs both naturally and in the workplace. It causes cutaneous malignancies, hyperpigmentation, palmer and plantar keratosis, and internal malignancies, especially of the lung and bladder. CONCLUSION Exposure risks need to be well publicized. Those people with known exposure need regular full skin exams as well as close follow-up by their primary care physician.
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Affiliation(s)
- M E Maloney
- Division of Dermatology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, 17033, USA
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Vahter M, Concha G, Nermell B, Nilsson R, Dulout F, Natarajan AT. A unique metabolism of inorganic arsenic in native Andean women. Eur J Pharmacol 1995; 293:455-62. [PMID: 8748699 DOI: 10.1016/0926-6917(95)90066-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 160] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The metabolism of inorganic arsenic (As) in native women in four Andean villages in north-western Argentina with elevated levels of As in the drinking water (2.5, 14, 31, and 200 micrograms/1, respectively) has been investigated. Collected foods contained 9-427 micrograms As/kg wet weight, with the highest concentrations in soup. Total As concentrations in blood were markedly elevated (median 7.6 micrograms/1) only in the village with the highest concentration in the drinking water. Group median concentrations of metabolites of inorganic As (inorganic As, methylarsonic acid (MMA) and dimethylarsinic acid (DMA)) in the urine varied between 14 and 256 micrograms/1. Urinary concentrations of total As were only slightly higher (18-258 micrograms/1), indicating that inorganic As was the main form of As ingested. In contrast to all other populations studied so far, arsenic was excreted in the urine mainly as inorganic As and DMA. There was very little MMA in the urine (overall median 2.2%, range 0.0-11%), which should be compared to 10-20% of the urinary arsenic in all other populations studied. This may indicate the existence of genetic polymorphism in the control of the methyltransferase activity involved in the methylation of As. Furthermore, the percentage of DMA in the urine was significantly higher in the village with 200 micrograms As/1 in the water, indicating an induction of the formation of DMA. Such an effect has not been observed in other studies on human subjects with elevated exposure to arsenic.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Vahter
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Mürer AJ, Abildtrup A, Poulsen OM, Christensen JM. Effect of seafood consumption on the urinary level of total hydride-generating arsenic compounds. Instability of arsenobetaine and arsenocholine. Analyst 1992; 117:677-80. [PMID: 1580419 DOI: 10.1039/an9921700677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Arsenobetaine and arsenocholine are considered to be non-toxic and are present as a relatively large proportion of total arsenic in seafoods, and they do not respond to hydride generation. The present study describes the effect of seafood consumption on the urinary concentration of hydride-generating arsenic compounds measured by a newly developed flow injection atomic absorption spectrometric (FI-AAS) method. Consumption of plaice, pighvar and tunny resulted in a 2-fold increase, and consumption of mussels produced a 6-fold increase in the urinary level of hydride-generating arsenic compounds. Hence, a person who has consumed mussels may be suspected of being occupationally or environmentally exposed, if the level of consumption of this seafood is unknown. As the FI-AAS method cannot be used to detect arsenobetaine and arsenocholine, the observed increase in urinary concentration of hydride-generating arsenic compounds after consumption of seafood must originate either from hydride-generating arsenic compounds in the seafood or from degraded arsenobetaine or arsenocholine. The present study has demonstrated that both arsenobetaine and arsenocholine are unstable when incubated in daylight in the presence of hydrogen peroxide, i.e., an oxidizing environment. Hence, it is tempting to speculate that arsenobetaine could be converted into hydride-generating arsenic compounds during storage or cooking of seafood. The feasibility of speciation methods based on high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) separation and on-line analysis by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) and FI-AAS was also investigated. The FI-AAS system is approximately 35 times more sensitive to the hydride-generating arsenic species than the ICP-AES system.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Mürer
- Danish National Institute of Occupational Health, Copenhagen
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