1
|
Medina Pérez OM, Flórez-Vargas O, Rincón Cruz G, Rondón González F, Rocha Muñoz L, Sánchez Rodríguez LH. Glutathione-related genetic polymorphisms are associated with mercury retention and nephrotoxicity in gold-mining settings of a Colombian population. Sci Rep 2021; 11:8716. [PMID: 33888803 PMCID: PMC8062595 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-88137-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) vapor can produce kidney injury, where the proximal tubule region of the nephron is the main target of the Hg-induced oxidative stress. Hg is eliminated from the body as a glutathione conjugate. Thus, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in glutathione-related genes might modulate the negative impact of this metal on the kidneys. Glutathione-related SNPs were tested for association with levels of Hg and renal function biomarkers between occupationally exposed (n = 160) and non-exposed subjects (n = 121). SNPs were genotyped by TaqMan assays in genomic DNA samples. Total mercury concentration was measured in blood, urine and hair samples. Regression analyses were performed to estimate the effects of SNPs on quantitative traits. Alleles GCLM rs41303970-T and GSTP1 rs4147581-C were significantly overrepresented in the exposed compared with the non-exposed group (P < 0.01). We found significant associations for GCLM rs41303970-T with higher urinary clearance rate of Hg (β = 0.062, P = 0.047), whereas GCLC rs1555903-C was associated with lower levels of estimated glomerular filtration rate in the non-exposed group (eGFR, β = − 3.22, P = 0.008) and beta-2-microglobulin in the exposed group (β-2MCG, β = − 19.32, P = 0.02). A SNP-SNP interaction analysis showed significant epistasis between GSTA1 rs3957356-C and GSS rs3761144-G with higher urinary levels of Hg in the exposed (β = 0.13, P = 0.04) but not in the non-exposed group. Our results suggest that SNPs in glutathione-related genes could modulate the pathogenesis of Hg nephrotoxicity in our study population by modulating glutathione concentrations in individuals occupationally exposed to this heavy metal.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olga Marcela Medina Pérez
- Departamento de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Industrial de Santander, Bucaramanga, Colombia.,Laboratorio de Toxicología Ambiental y Toxicogenética, Universidad Industrial de Santander, Bucaramanga, Colombia
| | - Oscar Flórez-Vargas
- Laboratorio de Toxicología Ambiental y Toxicogenética, Universidad Industrial de Santander, Bucaramanga, Colombia.,Laboratory of Translational Genomics, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA
| | - Giovanna Rincón Cruz
- Grupo de Inmunología y Epidemiología Molecular, Escuela de Microbiología, Universidad Industrial de Santander, Carrera 32 No. 29-31; Building Roberto Serpa, Floor 5, Office 5, Bucaramanga, Colombia
| | - Fernando Rondón González
- Grupo de Investigación en Microbiología y Genética, Escuela de Biología, Universidad Industrial de Santander, Bucaramanga, Colombia
| | - Linda Rocha Muñoz
- Grupo de Investigación CienciaUDES, Universidad de Santander, Bucaramanga, Colombia
| | - Luz Helena Sánchez Rodríguez
- Grupo de Inmunología y Epidemiología Molecular, Escuela de Microbiología, Universidad Industrial de Santander, Carrera 32 No. 29-31; Building Roberto Serpa, Floor 5, Office 5, Bucaramanga, Colombia. .,Laboratorio de Toxicología Ambiental y Toxicogenética, Universidad Industrial de Santander, Bucaramanga, Colombia.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Cossa H, Scheidegger R, Leuenberger A, Ammann P, Munguambe K, Utzinger J, Macete E, Winkler MS. Health Studies in the Context of Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining: A Scoping Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:1555. [PMID: 33562086 PMCID: PMC7914471 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18041555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) is an important livelihood activity in many low- and middle-income countries. It is widely acknowledged that there are a myriad of health risk and opportunities associated with ASM. However, little is known with regard to which aspects of health have been studied in ASM settings. We conducted a scoping review of peer-reviewed publications, using readily available electronic databases (i.e., PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) from inception to 14 July 2020. Relevant information was synthesized with an emphasis on human and environmental exposures and health effects in a context of ASM. Our search yielded 2764 records. After systematic screening, 176 health studies from 38 countries were retained for final analysis. Most of the studies (n = 155) focused on health in ASM extracting gold. While many of the studies included the collection of environmental and human samples (n = 154), only few (n = 30) investigated infectious diseases. Little attention was given to vulnerable groups, such as women of reproductive age and children. Our scoping review provides a detailed characterisation of health studies in ASM contexts. Future research in ASM settings should address health more comprehensively, including the potential spread of infectious diseases, and effects on mental health and well-being.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hermínio Cossa
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland; (A.L.); (P.A.); (J.U.); (M.S.W.)
- University of Basel, P.O. Box, CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland
- Manhiça Health Research Centre, C.P. 1929 Maputo, Mozambique; (K.M.); (E.M.)
| | - Rahel Scheidegger
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, P.O. Box, CH-8092 Zurich, Switzerland;
| | - Andrea Leuenberger
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland; (A.L.); (P.A.); (J.U.); (M.S.W.)
- University of Basel, P.O. Box, CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Priska Ammann
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland; (A.L.); (P.A.); (J.U.); (M.S.W.)
- University of Basel, P.O. Box, CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Khátia Munguambe
- Manhiça Health Research Centre, C.P. 1929 Maputo, Mozambique; (K.M.); (E.M.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University Eduardo Mondlane, C.P. 257 Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Jürg Utzinger
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland; (A.L.); (P.A.); (J.U.); (M.S.W.)
- University of Basel, P.O. Box, CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Eusébio Macete
- Manhiça Health Research Centre, C.P. 1929 Maputo, Mozambique; (K.M.); (E.M.)
- National Directorate of Public Health, Ministry of Health, C.P. 264 Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Mirko S. Winkler
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland; (A.L.); (P.A.); (J.U.); (M.S.W.)
- University of Basel, P.O. Box, CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Sánchez Rodríguez LH, Medina Pérez OM, Rondón González F, Rincón Cruz G, Rocha Muñoz L, Flórez-Vargas O. Genetic Polymorphisms in Multispecific Transporters Mitigate Mercury Nephrotoxicity in an Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining Community in Colombia. Toxicol Sci 2020; 178:338-346. [PMID: 32946573 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfaa142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In artisanal and small-scale gold mining, occupational exposure to mercury (Hg) vapor is related to harmful effects on several organs, including the kidneys. We previously reported significantly increased levels of Hg in blood and urine despite normal kidney function in individuals from Colombia occupationally exposed to Hg compared with those nonexposed. We evaluated the contribution of 4 genetic variants in key genes encoding the transporters solute carrier (SLC; rs4149170 and rs4149182) and ATP-binding cassette(ABC; rs1202169 and rs1885301) in the pathogenesis of nephrotoxicity due to Hg exposure in these groups. Regression analysis was performed to determine the association between the blood- and urine-Hg concentration with SLC and ABC polymorphisms in 281 Colombian individuals (160 exposed and 121 nonexposed to Hg). We found an enrichment of ABCB1 rs1202169-T allele in the exposed group (p = .011; OR= 2.05; 95% CI = 1.18-3.58) compared with the nonexposure group. We also found that carriers of SLC22A8 rs4149182-G and ABCB1 rs1202169-T alleles had a higher urinary clearance rate of Hg than noncarriers (β = 0.13, p = .04), whereas carriers of SLC22A6 rs4149170-A and ABCB1 rs1202169-C alleles showed abnormal levels of estimated glomerular filtration rate (β = -84.96, p = .040) and beta-2-microglobulin (β = 743.38, p < .001). Our results suggest that ABCB1 rs1202169 and its interaction with SLC22A8 rs4149182 and SLC22A6 rs4149170 could mitigate Hg nephrotoxicity by controlling the renal proximal tubule cell accumulation of inorganic Hg. This will be useful to estimate the risk of kidney toxicity associated to Hg and the genetic selection to aid adaptation to Hg-rich environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luz Helena Sánchez Rodríguez
- Grupo de Inmunología y Epidemiología Molecular, Escuela de Microbiología.,Laboratorio de Toxicología Ambiental y Toxicogenética
| | - Olga Marcela Medina Pérez
- Grupo de Inmunología y Epidemiología Molecular, Escuela de Microbiología.,Laboratorio de Toxicología Ambiental y Toxicogenética.,Departamento de Ciencias Básicas
| | - Fernando Rondón González
- Grupo de Investigación en Microbiología y Genética, Escuela de Biología, Universidad Industrial de Santander, Bucaramanga 680002, Colombia
| | | | - Linda Rocha Muñoz
- Grupo CienciaUDES, Universidad de Santander, Bucaramanga 680003, Colombia
| | - Oscar Flórez-Vargas
- Laboratorio de Toxicología Ambiental y Toxicogenética.,Laboratory of Translational Genomics, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-4605
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
McSorley EM, van Wijngaarden E, Yeates AJ, Spence T, Mulhern MS, Harrington D, Thurston SW, Love T, Jusko TA, Allsopp PJ, Conway MC, Davidson PW, Myers GJ, Watson GE, Shamlaye CF, Strain JJ. Methylmercury and long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids are associated with immune dysregulation in young adults from the Seychelles child development study. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 183:109072. [PMID: 32007747 PMCID: PMC7213642 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.109072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to the environmental toxicant mercury (Hg) has been associated with immune dysregulation, including autoimmune disease, but few human studies have examined methylmercury (MeHg) exposure from fish consumption. OBJECTIVES We examined associations between MeHg exposure and biological markers of autoimmunity and inflammation while adjusting for long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA). METHOD At age 19 years, hair total Hg (Y19Hg), LCPUFA status, a panel of 13 antinuclear antibodies (ANA), total serum immunoglobulins (Ig) IgG, IgA, and IgM and serum markers of inflammation (IL-1, IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, C-reactive protein (CRP), IFN-γ, TNF-α) were measured in the Seychelles Child Development Study (SCDS) Main Cohort (n = 497). Multivariable regression models investigated the association between Y19Hg and biomarkers, adjusting for prenatal total hair Hg (MatHg) and other relevant covariates, and with and without adjustment for LCPUFA. RESULTS With each 1 ppm increase in Y19Hg (mean 10.23 (SD 6.02) ppm) we observed a 4% increased odds in a positive Combined ANA following adjustment for the n6:n3 LCPUFA ratio (β = 0.036, 95%; CI: 0.001, 0.073). IgM was negatively associated with Y19Hg (β = -0.016, 95%CI: 0.016, -0.002) in models adjusted for n-3, n-6 LCPUFA and when separately adjusted for the n-6:n-3 LCPUFA ratio. No associations were observed with MatHg. Total n-3 LCPUFA status was associated with reduced odds of a positive anti-ribonuclear protein (RNP) A. The n-3 LCPUFA were negatively associated with IL-6, IL-10, CRP, IFN-γ, TNF-α and positively with TNF-α:IL-10. There were positive associations between the n-6:n-3 ratio and IL-6, IL-10, CRP, IFN-γ, TNF-α and a negative association with TNF-α:IL-10. DISCUSSION The Y19Hg exposure was associated with higher ANA and lower IgM albeit only following adjustment for the n-3 LCPUFA or the n-6:n-3 LCPUFA ratio. The clinical significance of these findings is unclear, but warrant follow up at an older age to determine any relationship to the onset of autoimmune disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emeir M McSorley
- The Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom.
| | | | - Alison J Yeates
- The Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Toni Spence
- The Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Maria S Mulhern
- The Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Donald Harrington
- The School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Sally W Thurston
- The School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Tanzy Love
- The School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Todd A Jusko
- The School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Philip J Allsopp
- The Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Marie C Conway
- The Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Philip W Davidson
- The School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Gary J Myers
- The School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Gene E Watson
- The School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, NY, United States
| | | | - J J Strain
- The Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Pollard KM, Cauvi DM, Toomey CB, Hultman P, Kono DH. Mercury-induced inflammation and autoimmunity. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2019; 1863:129299. [PMID: 30742953 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2019.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2018] [Revised: 01/12/2019] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human exposure to mercury leads to a variety of pathologies involving numerous organ systems including the immune system. A paucity of epidemiological studies and suitable diagnostic criteria, however, has hampered collection of sufficient data to support a causative role for mercury in autoimmune diseases. Nevertheless, there is evidence that mercury exposure in humans is linked to markers of inflammation and autoimmunity. This is supported by experimental animal model studies, which convincingly demonstrate the biological plausibility of mercury as a factor in the pathogenesis of autoimmune disease. SCOPE OF THE REVIEW In this review, we focus on ability of mercury to elicit inflammatory and autoimmune responses in both humans and experimental animal models. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS Although subtle differences exist, the inflammatory and autoimmune responses elicited by mercury exposure in humans and experimental animal models show many similarities. Proinflammatory cytokine expression, lymphoproliferation, autoantibody production, and nephropathy are common outcomes. Animal studies have revealed significant strain dependent differences in inflammation and autoimmunity suggesting genetic regulation. This has been confirmed by the requirement for individual genes as well as genome wide association studies. Importantly, many of the genes required for mercury-induced inflammation and autoimmunity are also required for idiopathic systemic autoimmunity. A notable difference is that mercury-induced autoimmunity does not require type I IFN. This observation suggests that mercury-induced autoimmunity may arise by both common and specific pathways, thereby raising the possibility of devising criteria for environmentally associated autoimmunity. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE Mercury exposure likely contributes to the pathogenesis of autoimmunity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K Michael Pollard
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Scripps Research, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037, United States of America.
| | - David M Cauvi
- Department of Surgery and Center for Investigations of Health and Education Disparities, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive #0739, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States of America.
| | - Christopher B Toomey
- Shiley Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive #0946, La Jolla, CA 92093.
| | - Per Hultman
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
| | - Dwight H Kono
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Scripps Research, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037, United States of America.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
The Putative Role of Environmental Mercury in the Pathogenesis and Pathophysiology of Autism Spectrum Disorders and Subtypes. Mol Neurobiol 2017; 55:4834-4856. [DOI: 10.1007/s12035-017-0692-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2017] [Accepted: 07/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
|
7
|
Crowe W, Allsopp PJ, Watson GE, Magee PJ, Strain JJ, Armstrong DJ, Ball E, McSorley EM. Mercury as an environmental stimulus in the development of autoimmunity - A systematic review. Autoimmun Rev 2016; 16:72-80. [PMID: 27666813 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2016.09.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2016] [Accepted: 08/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases result from an interplay of genetic predisposition and factors which stimulate the onset of disease. Mercury (Hg), a well-established toxicant, is an environmental factor reported to be linked with autoimmunity. Hg exists in several chemical forms and is encountered by humans in dental amalgams, certain vaccines, occupational exposure, atmospheric pollution and seafood. Several studies have investigated the effect of the various forms of Hg, including elemental (Hg0), inorganic (iHg) and organic mercury (oHg) and their association with autoimmunity. In vitro studies using peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from healthy participants have shown that methylmercury (MeHg) causes cell death at lower concentrations than iHg albeit exposure to iHg results in a more enhanced pro-inflammatory profile in comparison to MeHg. In vivo research utilising murine models susceptible to the development of metal-induced autoimmunity report that exposure to iHg results in a lupus-like syndrome, whilst mice exposed to MeHg develop autoimmunity without the formation of immune complexes. Furthermore, lower concentrations of IgE are detected in MeHg-treated animals in comparison with those treated with iHg. It appears that, oHg has a negative impact on animal models with existing autoimmunity. The research conducted on humans in this area is diverse in study design and the results are conflicting. There is currently no evidence to implicate a role for Hg0 exposure from dental amalgams in the development or perpetuation of autoimmune disease, apart from some suggestion of individual sensitivity. Several studies have consistently shown a positive correlation between iHg exposure and serum autoantibody concentrations in gold miners, although the clinical impact of iHg remains unknown. Furthermore, a limited number of studies have reported individuals with autoimmune disease have higher concentrations of blood Hg compared to healthy controls. In summary, it appears that iHg perpetuates markers of autoimmunity to a greater extent than oHg, albeit the impact on clinical outcomes in humans is yet to be elucidated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- William Crowe
- Northern Ireland Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), Ulster University, BT52 1SA, Northern, Ireland.
| | - Philip J Allsopp
- Northern Ireland Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), Ulster University, BT52 1SA, Northern, Ireland.
| | - Gene E Watson
- Eastman Institute for Oral Health and Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642, United States.
| | - Pamela J Magee
- Northern Ireland Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), Ulster University, BT52 1SA, Northern, Ireland.
| | - J J Strain
- Northern Ireland Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), Ulster University, BT52 1SA, Northern, Ireland.
| | - David J Armstrong
- Department of Rheumatology, Altnagelvin Area Hospital, Glenshane Road, Londonderry BT47 6SB, Northern, Ireland.
| | - Elizabeth Ball
- Department of Rheumatology, Musgrave Park Hospital, Stockman's Lane, Belfast, BT9 7JB, Northern, Ireland.
| | - Emeir M McSorley
- Northern Ireland Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), Ulster University, BT52 1SA, Northern, Ireland.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Rodríguez LHS, Rodríguez-Villamizar LA, Flórez-Vargas O, Fiallo YV, Ordoñez Á, Gutiérrez MDC. No effect of mercury exposure on kidney function during ongoing artisanal gold mining activities in Colombia. Toxicol Ind Health 2016; 33:67-78. [PMID: 27449026 DOI: 10.1177/0748233716659031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
This cross-sectional study examined whether people who are exposed to mercury (Hg) vapours in ongoing artisanal gold mining activities have alteration in kidney function monitoring parameters. The study enrolled 164 miners and 127 participant controls. The Hg concentrations for miners and control participants were measured in blood (B-Hg; median 7.0 vs. 2.5 µg/L), urine (U-Hg; median 3.9 vs. 1.5 µg/g creatinine) and hair (H-Hg; median 0.8 vs. 0.4 µg/g hair). The biomarkers of renal function were creatinine, albumin and excretion of β-2 microglobulin. Glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated using the chronic kidney disease epidemiology collaboration equation. Significant statistical differences were found in Hg concentrations and eGFR levels between the two study groups ( p < 0.01) but not with the other biomarkers of renal function. A multiple regression model was applied to explore the relationship of eGFR levels and Hg concentrations. However, no association was found between the prevalence of reduced eGFR (<71.96 mL/min/1.73 m2) and the B-Hg or U-Hg levels after adjustment for covariates. Nevertheless, it was observed that having B-Hg levels above 10 µg Hg/L decreased the eGFR by 1.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 (confidence interval 95% -5.1 to 1.7) compared to having levels below 2.0 µg Hg/L. Our results found no support for kidney damage associated with Hg vapour exposure in ongoing artisanal gold mining, whose population has a level of Hg exposure from low to moderate (B-Hg from 3.4 to 11.0 µg/L and U-Hg from 1.3 to 9.6 µg/g creatinine).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luz Helena Sánchez Rodríguez
- 1 Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology and Toxicogenomics, Group of Immunology and Molecular Epidemiology, Faculty of Health, Universidad Industrial de Santander, Bucaramanga, Colombia.,2 School of Microbiology, Universidad Industrial de Santander, Bucaramanga, Colombia
| | | | - Oscar Flórez-Vargas
- 1 Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology and Toxicogenomics, Group of Immunology and Molecular Epidemiology, Faculty of Health, Universidad Industrial de Santander, Bucaramanga, Colombia
| | - Yolanda Vargas Fiallo
- 4 Laboratory of Industrial Consulting, School of Chemistry, Universidad Industrial de Santander, Bucaramanga, Colombia
| | - Álvaro Ordoñez
- 5 Renal Clinic, Hospital Universitario de Santander, Bucaramanga, Colombia
| | | |
Collapse
|