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Objective To investigate the level of arsenic in environmental media and food stuffs including vegetables in water-born endemic arsenicosis area for provide a scientific basis for endemic arsenicosis of Shanxi province.Methods Samples of drinking water,soil,and glutinous broom corn,foxtail millet,and potato were collected from local families in water-born endemic arsenicosis area of Shanyin county,Shanxi province.According to“Diagnosis Standard for Endemic Arsenicosis” (WS/T 211-2001 ),totally 309 people from 126 families were choosen for the survey.The content of arsenic in drinking water,glutinous broom corn and foxtail millet was quantitatively determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry(ICP-MS).The level of arsenic in soil and potato was measured by atomic fluorescence spectrometer(AFS).The water arsenic concentrations were divided into five groups,≤10,＞ 10 - 50,＞ 50 - 100,＞ 100 - 200,and ＞ 200 μ g/L,analysis the relationship between water arsenic exposure and skin lesions.ResultIn this study,126 water samples were collected.Arsenic concentrations in drinking water were 4.04 - 720.00 μg/L,the median value was 87.75 μg/L,and the ratio of arsenic level higher than the Chinese standards for drinking water(50 μg/L) was 63.49％(80/126).The levels of arsenic in food were 0.16 - 4.58 mg/kg,the median value of arsenic in food was 0.66 mg/kg,and 98.73％(78/79) of arsenic exceeded 0.2 mg/kg.Arsenic concentrations in soil and vegetable were 5.34 - 13.74 mg/kg and 0 - 0.30 mg/kg,respectively.Predicted inorganic arsenic intake from food and vegetable was modeled with the equivalent intake from drinking water for a typical Chinese diet.Daily consumption of grain with a total arsenic level of 0.17 mg/kg would be equivalent to a drinking water arsenic level of 10 μg/L.Otherwise,adjusted with gender and age,symptoms of skin lesions correlated positively with water arsenic concentrations in all subjects.The OR values were 3.219,9.001,56.127,and 97.734 for each group,respectively.Rank correlation test using Chi-square test and Spearman correlation test showed that the severity of skin lesions was associated with the increasing of arsenic content in water(x2 =128.747,P ＜ 0.05; r =0.501,P ＜ 0.05).ConclusionsArsenic levels in both drinking water and food are high in water-born endemic arsenicosis area of Shanxi province,and in soil and vegetables are not high.Arsenic in drinking water has been considered as a main risk factor of skin lesions,and dietary intake of arsenic through foodstuff can not be ignored.
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ObjectiveTo investigate the arsenic level in saliva and its relationship with arsenic in urine and drinking water in endemic arsenism area in Shanyin county of Shanxi province.MethodsSeventy individuals from four villages in endemic arsenicosis area in Shanyin county Shanxi provence were selected as research subjects.“The National Diagnosis Standard for Endemic Arsenism” (WS/T211-2001 ) was used to identify and categorize the cases of arsenicosis during the survey.Urine,saliva samples from all individuals and water samples from their families were collected.Total arsenic in saliva,urine and drinking water samples were detected by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and atomic fluorescence spectrometry-230 (AFS-230).ResnltsThe median of arsenic in drinking water samples was 127.22 μg/L,and 66.67％ (28/42) of samples' arsenic levels exceeded the drinking water standard,37 individuals had varying degrees of skin lesions among the 70 residents.There was a significant difference of the arsenic concentration in saliva and urine of the residents exposed to different levels of arsenic in drinking water (F =28.643,10.226,all P＜ 0.05).Arsenic levels were positively correlated significantly (r =0.674,0.686,all P＜ 0.05) between water and saliva,urinary.Saliva and urinary arsenic levels were highly correlated (r =0.794,P ＜ 0.05).In addition,arsenic in saliva and urine,water arsenic,skin symptoms were closely related, and the levels of arsenic were significantly different statistically between symptomatic group and asymptomatic group (t =- 3.194,- 4.167,- 4.938,all P ＜ 0.01).ConclusionsSalivary arsenic is significantly correlated with water arsenic and also with skin symptoms of patients with arsenic poisoning,which suggests that salivary arsenic is a potential useful biomarker for assessing human exposure to arsenic.
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Objective To study the COLIXA3 gene polymorphism of patients with fluorosis and to explore the pathogenesis of COLIXA3 gene in endemic fluorosis.Methods Fifty one cases of patients with drinking-water borne fluorosis were selected as the case group in Xinzhou city,Shanxi province and 28 cases of healthy people were as the control group.Dental fluorosis was detected by Dean method and skeletal fluorosis was examined by X-ray.COLIXA3 of exon 5 gene product of 103 points was amplified by PCR and the gene locus genotype was sequenced.Results Ten cases of mild dental fluorosis,14 cases of moderate dental fluorosis,15 cases of severe dental fluorosis were detected among the 51 patients.The control group was free of dental fluorosis.All the 51 cases of patients with fluorosis had varying degrees of skeletal fluorosis,mainly osteosclerosis lesions,accounting for 86.27％(44/51 ),and mild skeletal fluorosis patients were all osteosclerosis lesions,and osteosclerosis lesions and multiple skeletal lesions were found among moderate and severe skeletal fluorosis patients in the case group,while control group had no skeletal fluorosis.The differences between genotypes of frequency distribution of AA,Aa,aa of COLIXA3 of case and control groups were not statistically significant [96.08％(49/51 ),3.92％(2/51 ),0.00％(0/51) and 96.43％(27/28),3.57％(1/28),0.00％(0/28),x2 =0.94,P ＞ 0.05].ConclusionsCOLIXA3 gene polymorphism is not significantly correlated to fluorosis.
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Objective To learn the present status of defluoridation water improvement project in Shanxi province in order to provide scientific basis for speeding up the prevention and control of endemic fluorosis.Methods According to "The National Technical Scheme for Endemic Disease Control" from 2005 to 2009, the investigation points were selected in the counties that implemented the measures of water improvement and defluoridation,the status of drinking water defluoridation Project was investigated, and the water fluoride levels were determined by fluoride selective ion electrode. Results The primary status was surveyed in 1658 water improvement and defluoridation projects in 51 counties. The resource of drinking water for water improvement and defluoridation projects was mostly ground water[accounting for 93.12% (1544/1658)]. Among 1658 water improvement and defluoridation projects 1405 projects worked well(accounting for 84.74%) and 190 projects intermittently worked (accounting for 11.46%). Sixty three projects abandoned (accounting for 3.80%), in Datong basin the abandoned projects accounted for 36.36% (12/33). Water fluoride content of 1595 water improvement and defluoridation projects had been determined, among them water fluoride content of 874 projects were above 1.0 mg/L (accounting for 54.80%). The situations of exceeded national standard in the five basins was different(H = 33.22,P ＜ 0.01). The rate of over national standard of fluoride levels in drinking water was 88.37%(38/43) in Datong basin. Therefore, in Datong basin water improvement should be strengthened. Conclusions In Shanxi province the water improvement and defluoridation projects are basically running normally. However, the qualified rate is lower for the water improvement and defluoridation projects. The water improvement status varies dramatically among areas.The situation is still grim in Shanxi province. Water improvement and defluoridation needs to be strengthened to improve the effect of prevention and control of the disease.
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Objective To explore the long-term effect of endemic arsenism on oxidative stress and immune function, and to provide scientific basis for prevention and treatment of the disease in the areas. Methods In 2009, Using cluster sampling and typical investigation, the cross-sectional study was completed. The patient groups and the internal control group were selected in the arsenism areas after 5 years quality improvement of drinking water(Silizhuang village, Daying village and Gucheng village in Shanyin county, Gucheng city, Shanxi province) and they were divided into mild, moderate, severe case and internal control groups, respectively. The external control group was selected in a non-arsenism area(Yangzhuang village in Heshengbu city). The Oxidative stress indicators were determined and analyzed [serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was determined with xanthine oxidase method, glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px) activity was determined with 2-thio-2-nitrobenzoic acid method, and mmuuity malondisldohyde(MDA) levels was determined with thiobarbituric acid method]. The immune function was determined and analyzed [immunoglobulin G (IgG) was determined with radioimmunoassay method, and serum lysozyme was determined with turbidimetric method]. Results A total of 252 people were surveyed, in which the external control group, the internal control group, mild, moderate and severe patient groups were 56, 57, 49,44 and 46, respectively. Serum SOD activities were (72.19 ± 11.75), (66.96 ± 12.02), (49.79±11.07), (48.54 ±10.56) and (47.68 ± 10.68)kU/L, respectively. The difference of serum SOD activities between the groups was statistically significant(F = 52.42, P ＜ 0.01 ). Serum SOD activities in the external control group were significantly higher than other groups (all P ＜ 0.05). The value in the internal control group was significantly higher than the 3patient groups (all P ＜ 0.05). There were no significant differences between the case groups (P ＞ 0.05). Serum GSH-Px activities of the five groups were (197.41 ± 38.54), (195.02 ± 31.93), (187.26 ± 28.22), (187.24 ± 25.40),(186.88 ± 21.84)U/mg, respectively, and the difference between the groups was not significant(H = 4.21, P ＞0.05). Serum MDA levels of the five groups were (4.51 ± 2.14), (5.88 ± 2.00), (6.44 ± 2.83), (5.89 ± 2.57),(5.88 ± 2.40)μ mol/L, respectively, and the difference between the groups was statistically significant(F = 3.36,P ＜ 0.05). The external control group was significantly lower than other groups(all P ＜ 0.05). No significant difference was observed between other groups(all P ＞ 0.05). Serum IgG levels were(11.16 ± 2.08), (8.15 ± 1.44), (8.77 ±2.54), (9.19 ± 1.97), (8.44 ± 2.52)g/L, respectively, and the difference between the groups was statistically significant(H = 52.92, P ＜ 0.01 ). The external control group was significantly higher than other groups(all P ＜0.05). No significant difference was observed between other groups(all P ＞ 0.05). Serum lysozyme levels were (13.57 ± 5.16), (10.05 ± 3.96), (8.78 ± 3.35), (8.72 ± 3.76), (9.38 ± 4.26)mg/L, respectively, and the difference between the groups was statistically significant (H = 35.00, P ＜ 0.01 ). The external control group was significantly higher than other groups(all P ＜ 0.05). No significant difference was observed between other groups(all P ＞ 0.05). Conclusions The effect of arsenic on the body's oxidative stress response and immune function persists after 5 years of drinking low arsenic water. In addition to intensify arsenic removal from drinking water, it should also strengthen the monitoring of population's health in the diseased areas.
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Objective To investigate the relationship between arsenic in drinking water and skin lesions in endemic arsenism area in Shanyin County of Shanxi Province,in order to provide epidemiologic data for further arsenism research.Methods One hundred and eighty-nine endemic arsenism patients and 59 controls were randomly selected in 17 endemic amenism countries in Shanyin County of Shanxi Province.The content of arsenic in drinking water which wa8 collected indoom was half-quantitatively screened by a kit made by Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention,then quantitatively determined by HPLC-ICP-MS.Patients of endemic arsenism were diagnosed by "The Standard of Diagnosis for Endemic Amenism"(WS/T 211-2001).Results There were 64.9% (87/134)samples above the arsenic level(50μg/L)of drinking water and the median value of arsenic in drinking water was 91.43 μg/L in 134 water samples.The OR(95%CI)value between arsenic in drinking water and hyperkeratosis,hyperpigmentation,depigmentation was 2.46(1.22-4.94),3.34(1.50～7.44)and 2.86(1.50-5.46),respectively.The prevalence of hyperkeratosis,hyperpigmentation and depigmentation increased,as the arsenic in drinking water increased(≤10,≤50,≤200,＞200μg/L),especially in＞200μg/L group(OR=6.15,13.96,11.41,P＜0.05).The arsenic level in drinking water of Ⅲ degree of depigmentation patients(318.300μg/L)was higher(P＜0.05)than that of 0,Ⅰ and Ⅱ degree groups(86.670,131.800,1 10.590μg/L,P＜0.05).Conclusions Shanyin County is a medial arsenic pollution area. Arsenic in drinking water is considered as a risk factor of skin lesion. The degree of skin lesions increased,as the arsenic in drinking water increased.
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Objective To become aware of the present distribution of drinking water source with high fluoride in endemic fluorosis disease areas in Shanxi Province, and to provide the evidence for making scientific and effective tactics in prevention and control. Methods According to "The National Technical Scheme for Endemic Disease Control" in the year 2004 to 2006, the investigation points were selected in 60 counties at 8 cities of Shanxi Province. The fluoride levels of water were determined by fluoride selective ion electrode. Results The fluoride content of water was determined in 2990 villages in 60 counties. Water fluorides content of 1658 villages were above 1.00 mg/L, accounted for 55.45%(1658/2990). The highest water fluoride content was 9.72 mg/L. Villages with high fluoride water in Taiyuan, Datong, Xinding, Linfen, Yuncheng basins accounted for 89.63% (1486/1658) among villages with high fluoride in Shanxi Province. In Shanxi Province the villages with high fluoride water were mainly distributed over 5 basins and scattered on the other areas. The distribution of drinking water source with high fluoride were different in 5 basins(H=316.10, P<0.05). The Water fluorides content in Datong basin(2.32 mg/L) was significantly higher than that of the other basins (P<0.05) and the ratio of drinking water fluoride levels under the national standard was 81.16%(336/414) in Datong basin. Conclusions Drinking water source with high fluoride are widespread distributed in Shanxi Province and mainly distributed in 5 basins. The situation of drinking water fluoride levels under the national standard is serious. The task of prevention and control for endemic fluorosis is still arduous. Therefore, we should strength water improving to raise the effect of prevention and treatment.
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<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the level and feature of neonate deformity in water arsenic exposure areas, as to finding out an evidence for the study and prevention of the arsenic exposure.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The birth situation of neonate was surveyed from 1998 to 2004 in water arsenic exposure areas according to cross-sectional survey. The results were classified in accordance with ICD-10 and common surveillance of china. The population of Shanyin County served as the common people and the data were analyzed by SPSS 11.5 for windows.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The neonates surveyed were 2467 cases. There were 49 neonates deformity found in this investigation, giving a neonate deformity rate of 198.62 per 10,000 cases, which was shown significantly higher in water arsenic exposure areas than in the normal (U = 3.23, P < 0.01), with types of nervous system deformity, limbs deformity and congenital heart disease as in system classification. There was no significant difference of deformity rate in different sex neonates (chi2 = 0.32, P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The drinking high-arsenic water over a long period of time should be a risk factor of neonate deformity. Prevention and treatment of endemic arsenic exposure should be urgently needed.</p>