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Stajnko A, Palir N, Snoj Tratnik J, Mazej D, Sešek Briški A, Runkel AA, Horvat M, Falnoga I. Genetic susceptibility to low-level lead exposure in men: Insights from ALAD polymorphisms. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2024; 256:114315. [PMID: 38168581 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2023.114315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
The genetic susceptibility to low-level lead (Pb) exposure in general populations has been poorly investigated and is limited to the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs1800435 in the delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase gene (ALAD). This study explored associations between ten selected ALAD SNPs with Pb concentrations in blood (BPb) and urine (UPb) among 281 men aged 18-49 years from Slovenia, including 20 individuals residing in a Pb-contaminated area. The geometric mean (range) of BPb and UPb were 19.6 (3.86-84.7) μg/L and 0.69 (0.09-3.82) μg/L SG, respectively. The possible genetic influence was assessed by examining SNP haplotypes, individual SNPs, and the combination of two SNPs using multiple linear regression analyses. While no significant associations were found for haplotypes, the presence of variant alleles of rs1800435 and rs1805312 resulted in an 11% and 13% decrease in BPb, respectively, while the presence of variant allele of rs1139488 (homozygous only) exhibited significant 20% increase in BPb, respectively. Additionally, variant allele of rs1800435 resulted in lower UPb. Individual SNPs in the model explained only around 1 additional percentage point of BPb variability. In contrast, combination analyses identified six combinations of two SNPs, which significantly explained 3-22 additional percentage points of BPb variability, with the highest explanatory power observed for the rs1800435-rs1139488 and rs1139488-rs1805313 combinations. Moreover, excluding participants from the Pb-contaminated area indicated that exposure level influenced SNPs-Pb associations. Our results confirm the importance of the ALAD gene in Pb kinetics even at low exposure levels. Additionally, we demonstrated that identifying individuals with specific combinations of ALAD SNPs explained a larger part of Pb variability, suggesting that these combinations, pending confirmation in other populations and further evaluation through mechanistic studies, may serve as superior susceptibility biomarker in Pb exposure compared to individual SNPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Stajnko
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Neža Palir
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Janja Snoj Tratnik
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Darja Mazej
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Alenka Sešek Briški
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Njegoševa 4, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Agneta Annika Runkel
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Milena Horvat
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Ingrid Falnoga
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Stajnko A, Lundh T, Assarson E, Åkerberg Krook E, Broberg K. Lead, cadmium, and mercury blood levels in schoolchildren in southern Sweden: Time trends over the last decades. Chemosphere 2024; 346:140562. [PMID: 38303383 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
To prevent diseases arising from exposure to toxic metals, more knowledge about their temporal changes is needed, especially in children, the most vulnerable group. This study follows temporal changes in blood lead (BPb), mercury (BHg) and cadmium (BCd) levels in schoolchildren (8-11 years old) from two cities in southern Sweden. One blood sample per 773 children was used for time trend analyses between 2007 and 2022. One further blood sample re-sampled after 2 years, were used to assess intra-individual time trends of BPb (n = 377), BCd (n = 102) and BHg (n = 53) between 1979 and 2019. Geometric mean (range) of BPb, BCd and BHg concentrations during 2007-2022 was 9.9 (2.3-59), 0.09 (0.03-0.34) and 0.73 (0.02-8.2) μg/L, respectively. Living close to a Pb smelter resulted in higher levels of all three metals compared with living in the city or rural area. Annually, the concentrations clearly decreased for BPb (-4.9%, p < 0.001) and weakly for BCd (-0.6%, p = 0.013), while BHg slightly increased (+1.4%, p = 0.029). When stratified by residential area, the decrease of BCd and increase of BHg were significant only in the urban area (-1.8% and +2.8%, respectively; p < 0.01). The BPb decrease rate was the highest in the urban area followed by the rural and Pb smelter areas (-5.8% > -4.5% > -3.9%; p < 0.001). For children re-analysed during 1979-2019, a significant decrease was observed only for BPb (-6.8%; p < 0.001), with a 2% higher decrease rate in the period before than after the Pb-gasoline ban in 1994. The preventive measures against Pb pollution are reflected in the constant decrease of BPb levels over time. However, the area close to a Pb smelter, as indicated by a slower Pb decrease rate, might need further and stricter preventive measures. Exposure to Hg and Cd was low, however, the slight increase in BHg and only a minor decrease in BCd, indicate the need for continuous biomonitoring of children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Stajnko
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
| | - Thomas Lundh
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Eva Assarson
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Else Åkerberg Krook
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Karin Broberg
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden; Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Runkel AA, Stajnko A, Snoj Tratnik J, Mazej D, Horvat M, Přibylová P, Kosjek T. Corrigendum to "Exposure of children and adolescents from Northeastern Slovenia to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances", Chemosphere 321 (2023)138096. Chemosphere 2023; 340:139893. [PMID: 37639880 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Agneta A Runkel
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Anja Stajnko
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Janja Snoj Tratnik
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Darja Mazej
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Milena Horvat
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Petra Přibylová
- RECETOX (Research Center for Toxic Compounds in the Environment), Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Tina Kosjek
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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Runkel AA, Stajnko A, Snoj Tratnik J, Mazej D, Horvat M, Přibylová P, Kosjek T. Exposure of children and adolescents from Northeastern Slovenia to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. Chemosphere 2023; 321:138096. [PMID: 36773682 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are of high concern for the environment, wildlife, and human health due to their persistence and potential to cause adverse health effects. Despite political measures to restrict the production and distribution of PFAS and to limit the exposure of populations, PFAS can be measured at commonly high detection frequencies in human samples. Thus, this pilot study aimed to determine the serum concentrations of PFPA, PFHpA, PFOA, PFNA, PFDA, PFUnDA, PFHxS, PFHpS, PFOS, PFHxA, PFDoDA, and PFBS in 113 girls and 112 boys (age 7-10 and 12-15) from Northeastern Slovenia - a rural area characterized by agricultural activities - and to identify potential sources of exposure using questionnaire data. PFAS were analysed by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry after phospholipid removal. 9 out of 12 analytes were detected at detection frequencies above 30%, with the highest geometric means (GM) being observed for PFOS (GM 1.9 ng/mL) > PFOA (GM 1.0 ng/mL) > PFHxS (GM 0.3 ng/mL) = PFNA (GM 0.3 ng/mL). We identified the participants' socio-economic status, age, sex, sampling region, public water supply, and the consumption of fish and seafood, cereals, and locally produced fruits, vegetables, and mushrooms as the predominant determinants of exposure. Furthermore, we compared our results with the serum and plasma concentrations reported for similar age groups in other studies and concluded that PFAS exposure in this highly agricultural area in Slovenia is notably low. This is the first study systematic HBM study of PFAS exposure in Slovenia, although it was conducted on a limited number of participants representative of rural and agricultural areas, it represents a good basis for upgrading the approach to a nationwide HBM study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agneta A Runkel
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences, Jamova cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Anja Stajnko
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences, Jamova cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Janja Snoj Tratnik
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences, Jamova cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Darja Mazej
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences, Jamova cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Milena Horvat
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences, Jamova cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Petra Přibylová
- RECETOX (Research Center for Toxic Compounds in the Environment), Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Tina Kosjek
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences, Jamova cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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Vogel N, Lange R, Schmidt P, Rodriguez Martin L, Remy S, Springer A, Puklová V, Černá M, Rudnai P, Középesy S, Janasik B, Ligocka D, Fábelová L, Kolena B, Petrovicova I, Jajcaj M, Eštóková M, Esteban-Lopez M, Castaño A, Tratnik JS, Stajnko A, Knudsen LE, Toppari J, Main KM, Juul A, Andersson AM, Jørgensen N, Frederiksen H, Thomsen C, Sakhi AK, Åkesson A, Hartmann C, Dewolf MC, Koppen G, Biot P, Den Hond E, Voorspoels S, Gilles L, Govarts E, Murawski A, Gerofke A, Weber T, Rüther M, Gutleb AC, Guignard C, Berman T, Koch HM, Kolossa-Gehring M. Exposure to Phthalates in European Children, Adolescents and Adults since 2005: A Harmonized Approach Based on Existing HBM Data in the HBM4EU Initiative. Toxics 2023; 11:241. [PMID: 36977006 PMCID: PMC10057641 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11030241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Phthalates are mainly used as plasticizers and are associated inter alia with adverse effects on reproductive functions. While more and more national programs in Europe have started monitoring internal exposure to phthalates and its substitute 1,2-Cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid (DINCH), the comparability of results from such existing human biomonitoring (HBM) studies across Europe is challenging. They differ widely in time periods, study samples, degree of geographical coverage, design, analytical methodology, biomarker selection, and analytical quality assurance level. The HBM4EU initiative has gathered existing HBM data of 29 studies from participating countries, covering all European regions and Israel. The data were prepared and aggregated by a harmonized procedure with the aim to describe-as comparably as possible-the EU-wide general population's internal exposure to phthalates from the years 2005 to 2019. Most data were available from Northern (up to 6 studies and up to 13 time points), Western (11; 19), and Eastern Europe (9; 12), e.g., allowing for the investigation of time patterns. While the bandwidth of exposure was generally similar, we still observed regional differences for Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBzP), Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), Di-isononyl phthalate (DiNP), and Di-isobutyl phthalate (DiBP) with pronounced decreases over time in Northern and Western Europe, and to a lesser degree in Eastern Europe. Differences between age groups were visible for Di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP), where children (3 to 5-year olds and 6 to 11-year olds) had lower urinary concentrations than adolescents (12 to 19-year-olds), who in turn had lower urinary concentrations than adults (20 to 39-year-olds). This study is a step towards making internal exposures to phthalates comparable across countries, although standardized data were not available, targeting European data sets harmonized with respect to data formatting and calculation of aggregated data (such as developed within HBM4EU), and highlights further suggestions for improved harmonization in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Vogel
- German Environment Agency (UBA), Department of Toxicology, Health-Related Environmental Monitoring, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Rosa Lange
- German Environment Agency (UBA), Department of Toxicology, Health-Related Environmental Monitoring, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Phillipp Schmidt
- German Environment Agency (UBA), Department of Toxicology, Health-Related Environmental Monitoring, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Sylvie Remy
- Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), 2400 Mol, Belgium
| | - Andrea Springer
- German Environment Agency (UBA), Department of Toxicology, Health-Related Environmental Monitoring, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Vladimíra Puklová
- National Institute of Public Health, Centre for Health and Environment, 10000 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Milena Černá
- National Institute of Public Health, Centre for Health and Environment, 10000 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Péter Rudnai
- National Public Health Center, Environmental Health Unit of the Department of Public Health Laboratory, 1097 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Szilvia Középesy
- National Public Health Center, Environmental Health Unit of the Department of Public Health Laboratory, 1097 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Beata Janasik
- Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, 91-348 Lodz, Poland
| | - Danuta Ligocka
- Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, 91-348 Lodz, Poland
| | - Lucia Fábelová
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Public Health, Slovak Medical University, 83303 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Branislav Kolena
- Department of Zoology and Anthropology, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Informatics, Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra, 94901 Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Ida Petrovicova
- Department of Zoology and Anthropology, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Informatics, Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra, 94901 Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Michal Jajcaj
- Public Health Authority, Department of Environment and Health, 83105 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Milada Eštóková
- Public Health Authority, Department of Environment and Health, 83105 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | | | | | - Janja Snoj Tratnik
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Anja Stajnko
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Lisbeth E. Knudsen
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, 1165 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jorma Toppari
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, 20520 Turku, Finland
- Department of Pediatrics, Turku University Hospital, 20521 Turku, Finland
| | - Katharina M. Main
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital—Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Centre for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Copenhagen University Hospital—Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anders Juul
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital—Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Centre for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Copenhagen University Hospital—Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anna-Maria Andersson
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital—Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Centre for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Copenhagen University Hospital—Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Niels Jørgensen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital—Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Centre for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Copenhagen University Hospital—Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hanne Frederiksen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital—Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Centre for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Copenhagen University Hospital—Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Cathrine Thomsen
- Department of Food Safety, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, 0456 Oslo, Norway
| | - Amrit Kaur Sakhi
- Department of Food Safety, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, 0456 Oslo, Norway
| | - Agneta Åkesson
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | | | - Gudrun Koppen
- Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), 2400 Mol, Belgium
| | - Pierre Biot
- Federal Public Service Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment, 1060 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Elly Den Hond
- Department of Environment and Health, Provincial Institute of Hygiene (PIH), 2000 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Stefan Voorspoels
- Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), 2400 Mol, Belgium
| | - Liese Gilles
- Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), 2400 Mol, Belgium
| | - Eva Govarts
- Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), 2400 Mol, Belgium
| | - Aline Murawski
- German Environment Agency (UBA), Department of Toxicology, Health-Related Environmental Monitoring, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Antje Gerofke
- German Environment Agency (UBA), Department of Toxicology, Health-Related Environmental Monitoring, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Till Weber
- German Environment Agency (UBA), Department of Toxicology, Health-Related Environmental Monitoring, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Maria Rüther
- German Environment Agency (UBA), Department of Toxicology, Health-Related Environmental Monitoring, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Arno C. Gutleb
- Environmental Research and Innovation (ERIN) Department, Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology, L-4422 Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Cedric Guignard
- Environmental Research and Innovation (ERIN) Department, Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology, L-4422 Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Tamar Berman
- Department of Environmental Health, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem 9446724, Israel
| | - Holger M. Koch
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance—Institute of the Ruhr University Bochum (IPA), 44789 Bochum, Germany
| | - Marike Kolossa-Gehring
- German Environment Agency (UBA), Department of Toxicology, Health-Related Environmental Monitoring, 14195 Berlin, Germany
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Palir N, Stajnko A, Snoj Tratnik J, Mazej D, Briški AS, France-Štiglic A, Rosolen V, Mariuz M, Giordani E, Barbone F, Horvat M, Falnoga I. ALAD and APOE polymorphisms are associated with lead and mercury levels in Italian pregnant women and their newborns with adequate nutritional status of zinc and selenium. Environ Res 2023; 220:115226. [PMID: 36621546 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The impacts of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in ALAD and VDR genes on Pb health effects and/or kinetics are inconclusive at low exposure levels, while studies including APOE SNPs are rare. In this study, we examined the associations of ALAD, VDR and APOE SNPs with exposure biomarkers of Pb and other trace elements (TEs) in Italian pregnant women (N = 873, aged 18-44 years) and their newborns (N = 619) with low-level mixed-element exposure through diet, the environment or endogenously. DNA from maternal peripheral venous blood (mB), sampled during the second and third trimesters, was genotyped for ALAD (rs1800435, rs1805313, rs1139488, rs818708), VDR (rs2228570, rs1544410, rs7975232, rs731236) and APOE (rs429358, rs7421) using TaqMan SNP assays. Personal and lifestyle data and TE levels (mB, maternal plasma, hair and mixed umbilical cord blood [CB]) from the PHIME project were used. Multiple linear regression models, controlling for confounding variables, were performed to test the associations between SNPs and TEs. The geometric means of mB-Pb, mB-Hg, mB-As and mB-Cd (11.0 ng/g, 2.16 ng/g, 1.38 ng/g and 0.31 ng/g, respectively) indicated low exposure levels, whereas maternal plasma Zn and Se (0.72 μg/mL and 78.6 ng/g, respectively) indicated adequate micronutritional status. Variant alleles of ALAD rs1800435 and rs1805313 were negatively associated with mB-Pb levels, whereas a positive association was observed for rs1139488. None of the VDR SNPs or their haplotypes had any association with Pb levels. Regarding APOE, the ϵ4 allele was associated with lower mB-Hg and CB-Hg, while a positive association was found with the ϵ2 allele and CB-Pb when the model included only newborn girls. The observed associations indicate possible modification effects of ALAD and APOE SNPs on Pb or Hg kinetics in women and their newborns with low exposure to non-essential TEs, as well as an adequate nutritional status of Zn and Se.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neža Palir
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Anja Stajnko
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Janja Snoj Tratnik
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Darja Mazej
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Alenka Sešek Briški
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Alenka France-Štiglic
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Valentina Rosolen
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", 34137, Trieste, Italy
| | - Marika Mariuz
- Department of Medicine, University of Udine, 33100, Udine, Italy
| | - Elisa Giordani
- Department of Medicine, University of Udine, 33100, Udine, Italy
| | - Fabio Barbone
- Department of Medicine, University of Udine, 33100, Udine, Italy
| | - Milena Horvat
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Ingrid Falnoga
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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7
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Buekers J, Remy S, Bessems J, Govarts E, Rambaud L, Riou M, Tratnik JS, Stajnko A, Katsonouri A, Makris KC, De Decker A, Morrens B, Vogel N, Kolossa-Gehring M, Esteban-López M, Castaño A, Andersen HR, Schoeters G. Glyphosate and AMPA in Human Urine of HBM4EU Aligned Studies: Part A Children. Toxics 2022; 10:toxics10080470. [PMID: 36006149 PMCID: PMC9415901 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10080470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Few data are available on the exposure of children to glyphosate (Gly) in Europe. Within HBM4EU, new HBM exposure data were collected from aligned studies at five sampling sites distributed over Europe (studies: SLO CRP (SI); ORGANIKO (CY); GerES V-sub (DE); 3XG (BE); ESTEBAN (FR)). Median Gly concentrations in urine were below or around the detection limit (0.1 µg/L). The 95th percentiles ranged between 0.18 and 1.03 µg Gly/L. The ratio of AMPA (aminomethylphosphonic acid; main metabolite of Gly) to Gly at molar basis was on average 2.2 and the ratio decreased with higher Gly concentrations, suggesting that other sources of AMPA, independent of metabolism of Gly to AMPA in the monitored participants, may concurrently operate. Using reverse dosimetry and HBM exposure data from five European countries (east, west and south Europe) combined with the proposed ADI (acceptable daily intake) of EFSA for Gly of 0.1 mg/kg bw/day (based on histopathological findings in the salivary gland of rats) indicated no human health risks for Gly in the studied populations at the moment. However, the absence of a group ADI for Gly+AMPA and ongoing discussions on e.g., endocrine disrupting effects cast some uncertainty in relation to the current single substance ADI for Gly. The carcinogenic effects of Gly are still debated in the scientific community. These outcomes would influence the risk conclusions presented here. Finally, regression analyses did not find clear associations between urinary exposure biomarkers and analyzed potential exposure determinants. More information from questionnaires targeting exposure-related behavior just before the sampling is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jurgen Buekers
- Unit Health, VITO, Flemish Institute for Technological Research, 2400 Mol, Belgium
| | - Sylvie Remy
- Unit Health, VITO, Flemish Institute for Technological Research, 2400 Mol, Belgium
| | - Jos Bessems
- Unit Health, VITO, Flemish Institute for Technological Research, 2400 Mol, Belgium
| | - Eva Govarts
- Unit Health, VITO, Flemish Institute for Technological Research, 2400 Mol, Belgium
| | - Loïc Rambaud
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Santé Publique France, 94415 Saint-Maurice, France
| | - Margaux Riou
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Santé Publique France, 94415 Saint-Maurice, France
| | - Janja Snoj Tratnik
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jozef Stefan Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Anja Stajnko
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jozef Stefan Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Konstantinos C. Makris
- Cyprus International Institute for Environmental and Public Health, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol 3036, Cyprus
| | | | - Bert Morrens
- Department of Social Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Nina Vogel
- German Environment Agency (UBA), Berlin, 06844 Dessau-Roßlau, Germany
| | | | - Marta Esteban-López
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III, National Centre for Environmental Health, 28220 Madrid, Spain
| | - Argelia Castaño
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III, National Centre for Environmental Health, 28220 Madrid, Spain
| | - Helle Raun Andersen
- Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark
| | - Greet Schoeters
- Unit Health, VITO, Flemish Institute for Technological Research, 2400 Mol, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
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8
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Joksić AŠ, Tratnik JS, Mazej D, Kocman D, Stajnko A, Eržen I, Horvat M. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in men and lactating women in Slovenia: Results of the first national human biomonitoring. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2022; 241:113943. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2022.113943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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9
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Stajnko A, Runkel AA, Kosjek T, Snoj Tratnik J, Mazej D, Falnoga I, Horvat M. Assessment of susceptibility to phthalate and DINCH exposure through CYP and UGT single nucleotide polymorphisms. Environ Int 2022; 159:107046. [PMID: 34920277 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.107046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of cytochrome P450 (CYPs) and UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGTs) genes have been proposed to influence phthalates and 1,2-cyclo-hexanedicarboxylic acid diisononyl ester (DINCH) biotransformation but have not been investigated on a populational level. We investigated the role of SNPs in CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, UGT2B15, and UGT1A7 genes in the biotransformation of phthalates (DEHP, DEP, DiBP, DnBP, BBzP, DiNP, DidP) and DINCH by determining their urine metabolites. From the Slovenian study population of 274 men and 289 lactating primiparous women we obtained data on phthalate and DINCH urine metabolite levels (MEHP, 5OH-MEHP, 5oxo-MEHP, 5cx-MEPP, MEP, MiBP, MnBP, MBzP, cx-MINP, OH-MiDP, MCHP, MnPeP, MnOP, 5OH-MINCH, 5oxo-MINCH), SNP genotypes (rs1057910 = CYP2C9*3, rs1799853 = CYP2C9*2, rs4244285 = CYP2C19*2, rs12248560 = CYP2C19*17, rs3892097 = CYP2D6*4, rs1902023 = UGT2B15*2, and rs11692021 = UGT1A7*3) and questionnaires. Associations of SNPs with levels of metabolites and their ratios were assessed by multiple linear regression and ordinary logistic regression analyses. Significant associations were observed for CYP2C9*2, CYP2C9*3, CYP2C19*17, and UGT1A7*3 SNPs. The most pronounced was the influence of CYP2C9*2 and *3 on the reduced DEHP biotransformation, with lower levels of metabolites and their ratios in men and women. In contrast, carriers of CYP2C19*17 showed higher urine levels of DEHP metabolites in both genders, and in women also in higher DiNP, DiDP, and DINCH metabolite levels. The presence of UGT1A7*3 was associated with increased metabolite levels of DINCH in men and of DiBP and DBzP in women. Statistical models explained up to 27% of variability in metabolite levels or their ratios. Our observations confirm the effect of CYP2C9*2 and *3 SNPs towards reduced DEHP biotransformation. We show that CYP2C9*2, CYP2C9*3, CYP2C19*17, and UGT1A7*3 SNPs might represent biomarkers of susceptibility or resilience in phthalates and DINCH exposure that have been so far unrecognised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Stajnko
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Agneta Annika Runkel
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tina Kosjek
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Janja Snoj Tratnik
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Darja Mazej
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Ingrid Falnoga
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Milena Horvat
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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10
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Tkalec Ž, Kosjek T, Snoj Tratnik J, Stajnko A, Runkel AA, Sykiotou M, Mazej D, Horvat M. Exposure of Slovenian children and adolescents to bisphenols, parabens and triclosan: Urinary levels, exposure patterns, determinants of exposure and susceptibility. Environ Int 2021; 146:106172. [PMID: 33113465 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.106172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Chemicals such as bisphenols, parabens and triclosan are endocrine disrupting chemicals. They are used in a wide variety of consumer products, making human exposure to those chemicals widespread. In the present study, levels of three bisphenols (bisphenol A, F and S), 7 parabens (methyl-, ethyl-, isopropyl-, propyl-, isobutyl-, butyl-, benzyl paraben) and triclosan were measured in first morning void from 246 Slovenian children and adolescents, aged 6-9 and 11-15 years and living in a rural region of Slovenia. Median levels of specific-gravity corrected levels for bisphenol A, bisphenol F, methyl paraben and ethyl paraben were 1.9, 0.085, 5.4 and 2.5 µg/L for children and 1.6, 0.11, 7.2 and 6.0 µg/L for adolescents, respectively. Median levels for all other endocrine disrupting chemicals were < LOQ. The levels are comparable with the levels reported in studies across the world. Exposure was age, sex, and location specific. Higher levels of bisphenol F and ethyl paraben were found in the samples of adolescents, while higher levels of methyl paraben were found in samples from girls. Furthermore, individuals living in one of the sampling locations, Goričko, were exposed to higher levels of bisphenol F and ethyl paraben than those in the remaining two sampling locations. Information about participants' dietary habits, use of food packaging and personal care products was obtained through questionnaires, and used to investigate associations between urinary levels of the biomarkers and potential exposure sources. High fat foods were associated with bisphenol A exposure, and cosmetics items such as lipstick and perfume with methyl paraben exposure. Significant correlation between methyl- and propyl paraben was observed in children's samples, suggesting similar exposure sources, while other compounds were not largely correlated, indicating independent sources. Furthermore, association between a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in UGT2B15 gene and urinary levels of methyl and ethyl paraben was observed, showing the role of UGT2B15 isoform in methyl and ethyl paraben metabolism as well as indicating the SNP rs1902023 as a potential biomarker of susceptibility to adverse effects caused by the exposure. The present study reports exposure of children and adolescents in Slovenia to a wide range of different endocrine disrupting chemicals for the first time, connecting it to exposure patterns and exposure sources. The study is to the authors' knowledge the first that investigates direct connection between levels of urinary endocrine disrupting chemical biomarkers and genetic polymorphism in UGT2B15.
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Affiliation(s)
- Žiga Tkalec
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences, Jamova 39, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova 39, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tina Kosjek
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences, Jamova 39, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova 39, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Janja Snoj Tratnik
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences, Jamova 39, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova 39, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Anja Stajnko
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences, Jamova 39, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova 39, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Agneta Annika Runkel
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences, Jamova 39, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova 39, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Marianthi Sykiotou
- Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Department of Chemistry, Environmental Pollution Control Laboratory, University Campus GR - 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Darja Mazej
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences, Jamova 39, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Milena Horvat
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences, Jamova 39, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova 39, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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11
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Stajnko A, Snoj Tratnik J, Kosjek T, Mazej D, Jagodic M, Eržen I, Horvat M. Seasonal glyphosate and AMPA levels in urine of children and adolescents living in rural regions of Northeastern Slovenia. Environ Int 2020; 143:105985. [PMID: 32731096 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.105985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
There are extensive data on the toxicity of glyphosate (GLY) based herbicides (GBH), however the interpretation of some data (e.g. carcinogenic effect) are subject to controversy. For the appropriate health risk assessment more data on exposure levels in the general population, especially in susceptible groups such as pregnant women, the elderly and children are needed. The aims of the present study were to estimate the exposure to GLY and its major metabolite aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) in children and adolescents living in agricultural areas, to identify possible determinants of the exposure, and to assess co-exposure with elements. In total, 149 children (aged 7-10 years, 55% girls) and 97 adolescents (aged 12-15 years; 44% girls) were recruited in 2018 from rural areas of Northeastern Slovenia. The effect of seasonal GLY application on the exposure was estimated using GLY and AMPA levels determined by GC-MS/MS in first morning urine in winter (n = 246) and in late-spring/early-summer seasons (n = 225). Levels of elements were determined by ICP-MS in urine in both samplings and in blood or plasma in the first sampling. Questionnaire data on basic characteristics, dietary habits, living environments and use of pesticides were obtained for all participants. GLY and AMPA were detected in 27% and 50% of urine samples from the first sampling period, respectively; and in 22% and 56% from the second sampling period, respectively. Geometric means and medians of both AMPA and GLY were below or at the limit of quantification (≤LOQ; 0.1 µg/L). Children rather than adolescents tended to have higher exposure, as did, boys rather than girls among adolescents. The exposure did not significantly differ between both sampling periods. Except for one individual, exposure was not higher among participants who reported use of GLY or herbicides in the vicinity of child's home or live in close vicinity of agriculture, orchards, vineyards, gardens, sport courts or cemeteries. The extensive food consumption frequency data revealed higher exposure to GLY and AMPA only among individuals with higher consumption of nuts and wholegrain rice. Levels of AMPA and GLY were significantly positively correlated, with considerably stronger correlation in urine of the second than the first sampling (Spearman's rank coefficient: 0.49 vs 0.22, respectively). Urine levels of As, Pb, Co, Zn and Cu were significantly higher in participants with GLY and/or AMPA levels ≥LOQ than with levels
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Stajnko
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Janja Snoj Tratnik
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tina Kosjek
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Darja Mazej
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Marta Jagodic
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Ivan Eržen
- National Institute of Public Health, Trubarjeva 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Milena Horvat
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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12
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Trdin A, Snoj Tratnik J, Stajnko A, Marc J, Mazej D, Sešek Briški A, Kastelec D, Prpić I, Petrović O, Špirić Z, Horvat M, Falnoga I. Trace elements and APOE polymorphisms in pregnant women and their new-borns. Environ Int 2020; 143:105626. [PMID: 32622117 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.105626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Revised: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
We investigated the relationship between lipid binding glycoprotein apolipoprotein E (apoE; gene APOE) polymorphisms (ε4 allele carriers versus no carriers = ε4+/ε4-) and trace elements (TEs) (e.g., (methyl)mercury, arsenic, lead, cadmium, selenium, manganese, copper, and zinc) in mothers (N = 223) and their new-borns (N = 213) exposed to potentially toxic metal(loid)s from seafood consumption. The apoE isoform encoded by the ε4 allele is believed to have beneficial effects in early life but represents a risk factor for age-associated diseases. Under certain conditions ε4 carriers are more susceptible to oxidative stress and metal(loid) toxicity. DNA from Croatian pregnant women (N = 223, third trimester) and their new-borns (N = 176), was genotyped for APOE by TaqMan® SNP assay - rs429358 and rs7412. Seafood intake data and TE levels in maternal urine, milk, hair, peripheral venous blood, mixed cord blood, and new-borns' urine were available from previous studies. We compared TEs between ε4+ and ε4- carriers using Mann-Whitney U tests and applied multiple linear regression models to analyse the TE's dependence on the presence of allele ε4 (genotypes ε3/ε4, ε4/ε4) in combination with other explanatory variables. We identified 17% (n = 37) and 20% (n = 35) ε4 allele carriers in mothers and new-borns, respectively. The Mann-Whitney U test showed that mothers with the ε4 allele had significantly higher mean levels of (methyl)mercury in peripheral venous blood, cord blood, and hair; arsenic in urine and cord blood; and selenium in peripheral venous blood and plasma. However, taking confounders into account, only the maternal plasma selenium remained statistically significant in the linear regression models (ε4 carriers vs non-carriers: 62.6 vs 54.9 ng/mL, p < 0.001). Literature suggestions of possible ε4 allele impact on Hg levels were not observed, while superior selenium status observed in healthy pregnant women carrying allele ε4 could be linked to the proposed APOE ε4 beneficial effects early in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajda Trdin
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Janja Snoj Tratnik
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Anja Stajnko
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Janja Marc
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Darja Mazej
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Alenka Sešek Briški
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Igor Prpić
- Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital Centre Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia; Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Oleg Petrović
- Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital Centre Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | | | - Milena Horvat
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Ingrid Falnoga
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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Stajnko A, Tuhvatshin R, Suranova G, Mazej D, Šlejkovec Z, Falnoga I, Krušič Ž, Lespukh E, Stegnar P. Trace elements and ALAD gene polymorphisms in general population from three uranium legacy sites - A case study in Kyrgyzstan. Sci Total Environ 2020; 719:134427. [PMID: 31859063 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.134427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2019] [Revised: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
At three uranium (U) legacy sites in Kyrgyzstan, namely, Kadji Sai, Mailuu-Suu and Sumsar, an initial human bio-monitoring programme was introduced as a complementary activity to environmental impact studies in these areas. The aim was to assess trace element (TE) contents in blood and genetic susceptibility for Pb as one of the contaminants. The programme included the determination of 9 TE in blood samples from 123 residents living permanently in this environment. The analyses included U and the potentially toxic TE, lead (Pb), cadmium, mercury (Hg), and arsenic (As), together with essential elements iron (Fe), copper, selenium (Se) and manganese (Mn). TE were analysed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS) and genetic background effect by three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD; rs1805313, rs818708, rs1800435) genotyped by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The obtained results were generally similar to literature reference values obtained from the U non-exposed environments. However, some significant findings indicated elevated levels of certain contaminants typical of the studied environment (U, Pb). Several essential (Se, Mn) and toxic TE (Pb, Hg, As, U) in blood showed statistically significant differences among the studied areas. All areas showed diminished Fe blood levels. Altogether, this indicated specific and different environmental conditions at three industrial legacy sites for U milling and processing along with the accompanying chemical (pollutant) elements. Blood U concentrations were slightly higher at Mailuu-Suu, known for elevated technogenic and naturally occurring U. At Sumsar, the distribution of elevated blood Pb concentrations indicated an airborne source of pollution that was different from the anticipated aqueous exposure pathway. Pb blood variability was found associated with ALAD polymorphisms (SNPs rs1805313, rs1800435). Results are confirming that human data will be a useful and scientifically important additional tool for environmental impact assessment studies at industrial legacy sites in Kyrgyzstan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Stajnko
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Žiga Krušič
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Elena Lespukh
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Peter Stegnar
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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14
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Stajnko A, Šlejkovec Z, Mazej D, France-Štiglic A, Briški AS, Prpić I, Špirić Z, Horvat M, Falnoga I. Arsenic metabolites; selenium; and AS3MT, MTHFR, AQP4, AQP9, SELENOP, INMT, and MT2A polymorphisms in Croatian-Slovenian population from PHIME-CROME study. Environ Res 2019; 170:301-319. [PMID: 30612060 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2018.11.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2018] [Revised: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The relationships between inorganic arsenic (iAs) metabolism, selenium (Se) status, and genetic polymorphisms of various genes, commonly studied in populations exposed to high levels of iAs from drinking water, were studied in a Croatian-Slovenian population from the wider PHIME-CROME project. Population consisted of 136 pregnant women in the 3rd trimester and 176 non-pregnant women with their children (n = 176, 8-9 years old). Their exposure to iAs, defined by As (speciation) analyses of biological samples, was low. The sums of biologically active metabolites (arsenite + arsenate + methylated As forms) for pregnant women, non-pregnant women, and children, respectively were: 3.23 (2.84-3.68), 1.83 (1.54-2.16) and 2.18 (1.86-2.54) ng/mLSG; GM (95 CI). Corresponding plasma Se levels were: 54.8 (52.8-56.9), 82.3 (80.4-84.0) and 65.8 (64.3-67.3) ng/mL; GM (95 CI). As methylation efficiency indexes confirmed the relationship between pregnancy/childhood and better methylation efficiency. Archived blood and/or saliva samples were used for single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping of arsenic(3+) methyltransferase - AS3MT (rs7085104, rs3740400, rs3740393, rs3740390, rs11191439, rs10748835, rs1046778 and the corresponding AS3MT haplotype); methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase - MTHFR (rs1801131, rs1801133); aquaporin - AQP 4 and 9 (rs9951307 and rs2414539); selenoprotein P1 - SELENOP (rs7579, rs3877899); indolethylamine N-methyltransferase - INMT (rs6970396); and metallothionein 2A - MT2A (rs28366003). Associations of SNPs with As parameters and urine Se were determined through multiple regression analyses adjusted using appropriate confounders (blood As, plasma Se, ever smoking, etc.). SNPs' influence on As methylation, defined particularly by the secondary methylation index (SMI), confirmed the 'protective' role of minor alleles of six AS3MT SNPs and their haplotype only among non-pregnant women. Among the other investigated genes, the carriers of AQP9 (rs2414539) were associated with more efficient As methylation and higher urine concentration of As and Se among non-pregnant women; poorer methylation was observed for carriers of AQP4 (rs9951307) among pregnant women and SELENOP (rs7579) among non-pregnant women; MT2A (rs28366003) was associated with higher urine concentration of AsIII regardless of the pregnancy status; and INMT (rs6970396) was associated with higher As and Se concentration in non-pregnant women. Among confounders, the strongest influence was observed for plasma Se; it reduced urine AsIII concentration during pregnancy and increased secondary methylation index among non-pregnant women. In the present study of populations with low As exposure, we observed a few new As-gene associations (particularly with AQPs). More reliable interpretations will be possible after their confirmation in larger populations with higher As exposure levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Stajnko
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova 39, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Zdenka Šlejkovec
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Darja Mazej
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Alenka France-Štiglic
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Njegoševa 4, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Alenka Sešek Briški
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Njegoševa 4, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Igor Prpić
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Centre Rijeka, Krešimirova 42, Rijeka, Croatia; Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Ul. Braće Branchetta 20/1, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Zdravko Špirić
- Green infrastructure ltd., Fallerovo šetalište 22, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Milena Horvat
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova 39, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Ingrid Falnoga
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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Steckling N, Gotti A, Bose-O'Reilly S, Chapizanis D, Costopoulou D, De Vocht F, Garí M, Grimalt JO, Heath E, Hiscock R, Jagodic M, Karakitsios SP, Kedikoglou K, Kosjek T, Leondiadis L, Maggos T, Mazej D, Polańska K, Povey A, Rovira J, Schoierer J, Schuhmacher M, Špirić Z, Stajnko A, Stierum R, Tratnik JS, Vassiliadou I, Annesi-Maesano I, Horvat M, Sarigiannis DA. Biomarkers of exposure in environment-wide association studies - Opportunities to decode the exposome using human biomonitoring data. Environ Res 2018; 164:597-624. [PMID: 29626821 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2018.02.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2017] [Revised: 02/09/2018] [Accepted: 02/28/2018] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The European Union's 7th Framework Programme (EU's FP7) project HEALS - Health and Environment-wide Associations based on Large Population Surveys - aims a refinement of the methodology to elucidate the human exposome. Human biomonitoring (HBM) provides a valuable tool for understanding the magnitude of human exposure from all pathways and sources. However, availability of specific biomarkers of exposure (BoE) is limited. OBJECTIVES The objective was to summarize the availability of BoEs for a broad range of environmental stressors and exposure determinants and corresponding reference and exposure limit values and biomonitoring equivalents useful for unraveling the exposome using the framework of environment-wide association studies (EWAS). METHODS In a face-to-face group discussion, scope, content, and structure of the HEALS deliverable "Guidelines for appropriate BoE selection for EWAS studies" were determined. An expert-driven, distributed, narrative review process involving around 30 individuals of the HEALS consortium made it possible to include extensive information targeted towards the specific characteristics of various environmental stressors and exposure determinants. From the resulting 265 page report, targeted information about BoE, corresponding reference values (e.g., 95th percentile or measures of central tendency), exposure limit values (e.g., the German HBM I and II values) and biomonitoring equivalents (BEs) were summarized and updated. RESULTS 64 individual biological, chemical, physical, psychological and social environmental stressors or exposure determinants were included to fulfil the requirements of EWAS. The list of available BoEs is extensive with a number of 135; however, 12 of the stressors and exposure determinants considered do not leave any measurable specific substance in accessible body specimens. Opportunities to estimate the internal exposure stressors not (yet) detectable in human specimens were discussed. CONCLUSIONS Data about internal exposures are useful to decode the exposome. The paper provides extensive information for EWAS. Information included serves as a guideline - snapshot in time without any claim to comprehensiveness - to interpret HBM data and offers opportunities to collect information about the internal exposure of stressors if no specific BoE is available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Steckling
- University Hospital Munich, WHO Collaborating Centre for Occupational Health, Institute and Outpatient Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Unit Global Environmental Health, Ziemssenstr. 1, D-80336 Munich, Germany; Department of Public Health and Health Technology Assessment, Universityfor Health Sciences, Medical Computer Science and Technology, Eduard-Wallnöfer-Zentrum 1, A-6060 Hall in Tirol, Austria.
| | - Alberto Gotti
- Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, School of Engineering, Building D, University Campus, GR-54124, Greece
| | - Stephan Bose-O'Reilly
- University Hospital Munich, WHO Collaborating Centre for Occupational Health, Institute and Outpatient Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Unit Global Environmental Health, Ziemssenstr. 1, D-80336 Munich, Germany; Department of Public Health and Health Technology Assessment, Universityfor Health Sciences, Medical Computer Science and Technology, Eduard-Wallnöfer-Zentrum 1, A-6060 Hall in Tirol, Austria
| | - Dimitris Chapizanis
- Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, School of Engineering, Building D, University Campus, GR-54124, Greece
| | - Danae Costopoulou
- National Centre for Scientific Research "Demokritos", Neapoleos 27, 15310 Athens, Greece
| | - Frank De Vocht
- Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health, Centre for Epidemiology, Division of Population Health, Health Services Research and Primary Care, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester M13 9BL, United Kingdom
| | - Mercè Garí
- University Hospital Munich, WHO Collaborating Centre for Occupational Health, Institute and Outpatient Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Unit Global Environmental Health, Ziemssenstr. 1, D-80336 Munich, Germany; Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research - Spanish Council for Scientific Research, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joan O Grimalt
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research - Spanish Council for Scientific Research, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ester Heath
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences, Jamova cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Rosemary Hiscock
- University of Bath, UK Centre for Tobacco and Alcohol Studies, Department for Health Bath BA2 7AY, United Kingdom
| | - Marta Jagodic
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences, Jamova cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Spyros P Karakitsios
- Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, School of Engineering, Building D, University Campus, GR-54124, Greece
| | - Kleopatra Kedikoglou
- National Centre for Scientific Research "Demokritos", Neapoleos 27, 15310 Athens, Greece
| | - Tina Kosjek
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences, Jamova cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Leondios Leondiadis
- National Centre for Scientific Research "Demokritos", Neapoleos 27, 15310 Athens, Greece
| | - Thomas Maggos
- National Centre for Scientific Research "Demokritos", Neapoleos 27, 15310 Athens, Greece
| | - Darja Mazej
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences, Jamova cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Kinga Polańska
- Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Department of Environmental Epidemiology, 8 Teresy Street, 91-348 Lodz, Poland
| | - Andrew Povey
- Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health, Centre for Epidemiology, Division of Population Health, Health Services Research and Primary Care, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester M13 9BL, United Kingdom
| | | | - Julia Schoierer
- University Hospital Munich, WHO Collaborating Centre for Occupational Health, Institute and Outpatient Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Unit Global Environmental Health, Ziemssenstr. 1, D-80336 Munich, Germany
| | | | - Zdravko Špirić
- Green Infrastructure Ltd., Fallerovo setaliste 22, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Anja Stajnko
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences, Jamova cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Rob Stierum
- Nederlandse Organisatie voor Toegepast Natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek, Zeist, The Netherlands
| | - Janja Snoj Tratnik
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences, Jamova cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Irene Vassiliadou
- National Centre for Scientific Research "Demokritos", Neapoleos 27, 15310 Athens, Greece
| | | | - Milena Horvat
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences, Jamova cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Dimosthenis A Sarigiannis
- Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, School of Engineering, Building D, University Campus, GR-54124, Greece
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Stajnko A, Falnoga I, Tratnik JS, Mazej D, Jagodic M, Krsnik M, Kobal AB, Prezelj M, Kononenko L, Horvat M. Low cadmium exposure in males and lactating females-estimation of biomarkers. Environ Res 2017; 152:109-119. [PMID: 27770711 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2016.09.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2016] [Revised: 08/31/2016] [Accepted: 09/29/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Urine cadmium (Cd) and renal function biomarkers, mostly analysed in urine spot samples, are well established biomarkers of occupational exposure. Their use and associations at low environmental level are common, but have recently been questioned, particularly in terms of physiological variability and normalisation bias in the case of urine spot samples. AIM To determine the appropriateness of spot urine and/or blood Cd exposure biomarkers and their relationships with renal function biomarkers at low levels of exposure. To this end, we used data from Slovenian human biomonitoring program involving 1081 Slovenians (548 males, mean age 31 years; 533 lactating females, mean age 29 years; 2007-2015) who have not been exposed to Cd occupationally. RESULTS Geometric means (GMs) of Cd in blood and spot urine samples were 0.27ng/mL (0.28 for males and 0.33 for females) and 0.19ng/mL (0.21 for males and 0.17 for females), respectively. Differing results were obtained when contrasting normalisation by urine creatinine with specific gravity. GMs of urine albumin (Alb), alpha-1-microglobulin (A1M), N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase (NAG), and immunoglobulin G (IgG) were far below their upper reference limits. Statistical analysis of unnormalised or normalised urine data often yielded inconsistent and conflicting results (or trends), so association analyses with unnormalised data were taken as more valid. Relatively weak positive associations were observed between urine Cd (ng/mL) and blood Cd (β=0.11, p=0.002 for males and β=0.33, p<0.001 for females) and for females between urine NAG and blood Cd (β=0.14, p=0.04). No associations were found between other renal function biomarkers and blood Cd. Associations between Cd and renal function biomarkers in urine were stronger (p<0.05, β=0.11-0.63). Mostly, all of the associations stayed significant but weakened after normalisation for diuresis. In the case of A1M, its associations with Cd were influenced by current smoking and blood Pb in males and by pre-pregnancy smoking and blood Se in females (β up to 0.34, p<0.001). Statistical analysis of unnormalised or normalised urine data often yielded inconsistent and conflicting results (or trends), so association analyses data with unnormalised were taken as more valid. CONCLUSIONS The observed uncertainties introduced by urine normalisation, particularly by creatinine, confirm blood Cd as a superior low-Cd exposure biomarker versus urine Cd in cases when 24h urine is unattainable. Evidence that A1M can be positively related to Cd, smoking (current or pre-pregnancy), Pb, and Se status, points to the versatile biological functions of A1M.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Stajnko
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova 39, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Ingrid Falnoga
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Janja Snoj Tratnik
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Darja Mazej
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Marta Jagodic
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova 39, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Mladen Krsnik
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Njegoševa 4, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Alfred B Kobal
- Department of Occupational Health, Idrija Mercury Mine, Arkova 43, Idrija, Slovenia
| | - Marija Prezelj
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Njegoševa 4, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Lijana Kononenko
- Chemical Office of RS, Ministry of Health of RS, Ajdovščina 4, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Milena Horvat
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova 39, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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17
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Šlejkovec Z, Stajnko A, Falnoga I, Lipej L, Mazej D, Horvat M, Faganeli J. Bioaccumulation of arsenic species in rays from the northern Adriatic Sea. Int J Mol Sci 2014; 15:22073-91. [PMID: 25470025 PMCID: PMC4284695 DOI: 10.3390/ijms151222073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2014] [Revised: 11/19/2014] [Accepted: 11/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The difference in arsenic concentration and speciation between benthic (Pteromylaeus bovinus, Myliobatis aquila) and pelagic rays (Pteroplatytrygon violacea) from the northern Adriatic Sea (Gulf of Trieste) in relation to their size (age) was investigated. High arsenic concentrations were found in both groups with tendency of more efficient arsenic accumulation in benthic species, particularly in muscle (32.4 to 362 µg·g−1 of total arsenic). This was attributed to species differences in arsenic access, uptake and retention. In liver most arsenic was present in a form of arsenobetaine, dimethylarsinic acid and arsenoipids, whereas in muscle mainly arsenobetaine was found. The good correlations between total arsenic/arsenobetaine and size reflect the importance of accumulation of arsenobetaine with age. Arsenobetaine is an analogue of glycine betaine, a known osmoregulator in marine animals and both are very abundant in mussels, representing an important source of food for benthic species P. bovinus and M. aquila.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zdenka Šlejkovec
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia.
| | - Anja Stajnko
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia.
| | - Ingrid Falnoga
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia.
| | - Lovrenc Lipej
- Marine Biology Station, National Institute of Biology, Fornače 41, Piran 6330, Slovenia.
| | - Darja Mazej
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia.
| | - Milena Horvat
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia.
| | - Jadran Faganeli
- Marine Biology Station, National Institute of Biology, Fornače 41, Piran 6330, Slovenia.
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