Metal Exposure in Arica, Chile: Examining Toxic Elements / Análisis de exposición a metales en Arica, Chile: niveles de elementos tóxicos

BACKGROUND: Bioaccumulation of toxic metals in the population is associated with adverse health effects. Although some elements are essential for humans, high levels of exposure can be dangerous. OBJECTIVE: To describe the levels of Inorganic Arsenic (AsIn), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), and Mercury (Hg) in urine, and Lead (Pb) in blood in the population of Arica, Chile. METHODOLOGY: Descriptive study. Beneficiaries of the Health Surveillance Program of Law 20.590 in sites of higher risk of exposure in the commune of Arica were considered eligible. The results of biological samples to measure their concentrations of AsIn, Cd, Cr, Hg in urine, and Pb in blood between August 2016 and May 2021 are described. RESULTS: 9520 samples from a population with a mean age of 40.5 years were studied. 4.21% of the adult population and 6.57% of the children had AsIn values above 35 μg/L, while at least 95 % of the total samples had levels below 33 μg/L. At least 90 % of the samples had Cd levels below 1.1 μg/L, and 8.44 % had Cd levels above 2 μg/L, higher in males (11.67%). There were no values above the reference in children. 99.77% and 99.33% had Cr and Pb values below the reference limit, respectively (using the lowest reference range established by Chile Ministry of Health (MINSAL) < 5 μg/L). Children did not present risk values for Cr, and 0.16% presented Pb concentrations between 5-10 μg/dL. All samples presented Hg concentrations below risk levels (< 10 μg/L). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that a small percentage of the samples analyzed in the beneficiary population of Arica register metal concentration levels above national reference levels established by MINSAL, mainly AsIn, Cd, and Pb. It is essential to continue biomonitoring to reduce and prevent exposure to these metals, which can have harmful effects on human health.

ANTECEDENTES: La bioacumulación de metales en la población está asociada a efectos adversos y pueden ser peligrosos. OBJETIVO: Describir los niveles de Arsénico Inorgánico (AsIn), Cadmio (Cd), Cromo (Cr), Mercurio (Hg) y Plomo (Pb) en la población de Arica, Chile. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio descriptivo. Se incluyeron todas las personas beneficiarias del Programa de Vigilancia de Salud de la Ley 20.590 en sitios de riesgo de mayor exposición en la comuna de Arica entre agosto 2016 y mayo 2021. RESULTADOS: Se estudiaron 9.520 muestras provenientes de una población con una edad media de 40.5 años. 4.21% de la población adulta y el 6.57% de los niños presentaron valores de AsIn superiores a 35 μg/L y al menos el 95% de las muestras totales tenía niveles inferiores a 33 μg/L. Más del 90 % de las muestras tuvieron niveles de Cd menores a 1.1 μg/L y un 8.44% registró niveles de Cd superiores 2 μg/L. El 99.77% y 99.33% exhibieron valores normales de Cr y Pb, respectivamente. Todas las muestras presentaron concentraciones de Hg por debajo de los niveles de riesgo (< 10 μg/L). CONCLUSIONES: Los resultados sugieren que un porcentaje pequeño de la población de Arica registra niveles de concentración de metales por sobre niveles de referencia nacional establecidos por el Ministerio de Salud de Chile, principalmente de AsIn, Cd y Pb. Es importante continuar con la vigilancia para reducir y prevenir la exposición a estos metales, que pueden generar efectos nocivos en la salud humana.

O Cromo sérico baixo é raro em doentes submetidos a gastrostomia endoscópica para nutrição entérica de longa duração / Low serum chromium is rare in patients that underwent endoscopic gastrostomy for long term enteral feeding

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND Patients that underwent Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG) present with protein-energy malnutrition. Trace elements are required in small quantities and Chromium (Cr) displays a major role in the metabolism. OBJECTIVE This study aims to evaluate Cr levels and its relationship with serum proteins, BMI and underlying diseases during the first 3 months of PEG feeding. METHODS Prospective observational study during 3-months, when PEG was performed (T0), after 4 (T1), and 12 weeks (T3). Initial evaluation included: age, gender, underlying disease, NRS-2002, BMI, serum albumin, transferrin and Cr concentration. At T1 and T3 a blood sample was collected for Cr, albumin and transferrin. A Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy was used to assess Cr. According with the underlying disease, patients were divided into two groups: head and neck cancer (HNC) and neurological dysphagia (ND). All patients were fed with homemade meals. RESULTS A one hundred and twenty-nine patients (80 males), 26-95 years old were studied: HNC-52; ND-77. The observed data included low mean values of BMI from 71 patients; low Cr-8, low albumin-70, low transferrin-85 and 57 with both proteins low. Albumin was associated with survival time ( P =0.024) and there was a significant correlation between albumin and Cr (r=0.217, P =0.012). A good evolution of Cr and proteins values was observed, with no low Cr levels at T3. CONCLUSION Low serum Cr is rare in PEG-patients, with no relationship to other studied parameters. For the minority of patients displaying low Cr before gastrostomy, homemade PEG meals seem to be effective.

RESUMO CONTEXTO Doentes submetidos a gastrostomia endoscópica percutânea apresentam desnutrição energético-proteica. Os elementos traço são necessários em pequenas quantidades e o Cromo (Cr) tem um papel importante no metabolismo. OBJECTIVO Pretendeu-se avaliar os níveis séricos de Cr e sua relação com as proteínas séricas, índice de massa corporal (IMC) e as doenças subjacentes nos primeiros 3 meses de alimentação por gastrostomia endoscópica percutânea. MÉTODOS Estudo prospetivo observacional durando 3 meses: avaliações no momento do procedimento (T0), após 4 (T1) e 12 semanas (T3). A avaliação inicial incluiu: idade, gênero, doença subjacente, Nutricional Risk Screening 2002 , IMC, concentração sérica de Cr, albumina e transferrina. Em T1 e T3, colheu-se sangue para Cr, albumina e transferrina. Para avaliação do Cr, utilizou-se espectrometria de absorção atómica em forno de grafite. Classificaram-se os doentes em dois grupos: neoplasias cervicofaciais (NCF) e disfagia neurológica (DN). Todos foram alimentados com alimentos de preparação doméstica. RESULTADOS Avaliaram-se 129 doentes (80 homens), entre 26-95 anos: NCF-52; DN-77. Encontraram-se valores baixos do IMC-71; Cr-8, albumina-70, transferrina-85 e 57 com ambas as proteínas baixas. Identificou-se correlação com significado estatístico entre a albumina e Cr (r=0,217, P =0,012) e entre a albumina e tempo de sobrevivência ( P =0,024). Foi observada boa evolução do Cr e proteínas, não sendo encontrados valores baixos de Cr em T3. CONCLUSÃO O Cr baixo é raro em doentes com gastrostomia endoscópica percutânea, sem relação com outros parâmetros, incluindo o tipo de doença subjacente. Para a minoria dos doentes com Cr baixo antes da gastrostomia, refeições de preparação doméstica parecem ser adequadas.

Heavy metals identification and exposure at workplace environment its extent of accumulation in blood of iron and steel recycling foundry workers of Lahore, Pakistan

The determination of heavy metals in blood is an important occupational environmental toxicology screening procedure. The aim of study was to determine the concentrations of Pb, Cd, Cr and Ni in blood samples of iron and steel foundry workplace exposed workers under routine clinical laboratory conditions. The method was employed for the quantitative determination of lead, cadmium, chromium and nickel in workplace environment particulate matter blood samples from iron and steel foundry workers and in unexposed controls. The results indicate that lead, chromium and nickel levels of the exposed workers are significantly higher those of the controls. Nickel Concentration [fig/L] in high P value=0.0306 and Chromium Concentration [microg/L] in P value=0.0295in worker population as compared to controls. Lead showed highest Absorption concentration in serum from particulate matter to Serum 47.3[microg/L]. Absorption concentration of nickel in serum 16.5[microg/L] was lower than lead observed in worker's population. Absorption concentration of cadmium and chromium in serum from particulate matter -152[microg/L] observed very low. The results also show the need for immediate improvements in workplace ventilation and industrial hygiene practices

Relationship of chromium toxicity with diabetes mellitus and chronic renal failure

To assess the association between diabetes mellitus and chronic renal failure with toxic effects of chromium on the onset of the Chronic Kidney disease. A prospective cross sectional study. This study was carried out at the Jinnah Post graduate Medical Centre and Kidney Centre Karachi during December 20 12 to December 20 13. The present study was conducted on a total of 150 patients [age > 40 years] divided into three groups. Patients in Group I included 50 patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 whereas Group II included 50 patients with diabetes mellitus associated with chronic renal failure [CRF] and Group III consisted of 50 healthy controls. Results showed that levels of fasting blood sugar and HbAlc in both group I and group II were significantly high where as it was lower in controls. Serum urea [125.2 +/- 32.49] and creatinine [7.3 +/- 1.41] levels in patients with DM with CRF were significantly high as compared to patients with DM only and control group. The Creatinine clearance [55.1 +/- 9.61] in patients with DM with CRF was decreased in comparison with DM patients and control group. Serum chromium levels were significantly high in patients with DM with CRF and in patients with DM. Serum chromium level showed significant correlation with glycemic index when the two groups including DM patients and patients with DM accompanied with CRF were compared with the controls, while correlation with renal failure was significant only in group II patients

Trace mineral status related to levels of glycated hemoglobin of type 2 diabetic subjects in Jeddah. Saudi Arabia

Diabetes mellitus [DM] is of major and increasing global public health importance. People with diabetes are at increased risk of premature disability and death associated with vascular, renal, retinal, and neuropathic complications. Direct association of trace elements in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes has been observed in many research studies. An alteration in the metabolism of these minerals has been demon- strated in diabetes. The aim of the present study was to investigate zinc [Zn], copper [Cu], chromium [Cr], manganese [Mn] and magnesium [Mg] levels in the serum of patients with type 2 diabetes and age-matched healthy subjects and also to assess the association between these elements and glycated hemoglobin [HbA1c]. The study population consisted of 55 type 2 diabetic patients and 55 age-matched non-diabetic healthy subjects within the age range of 45-65 years. In this study, we found significantly higher Cu levels [P < 0.001], lower Zn levels [P < 0.05], and also lower Cr, Mn, Mg levels [P < 0.05] in patients with DM in comparison with healthy subjects. Statistical analysis showed a positive correlation between serum levels of Cu and Zn in the group of healthy subjects [r = 0.97, P < 0.0001]. In contrast, we found a negative correlation between these metals [r = -0.59, P < 0.0001] in patients with DM. We also found significant higher levels of HbA1c [P< 0.001] in the DM group than in the healthy group. Positive correlations between levels of HbA1c and Cu [r= 0.71, P < 0.001] as well as Cr [r = 0.54, P < 0.0001] and negative correlations between levels of HbA1c and Zn [r = -0.65, P < 0.001] and also Mg [r = -.52, P < 0.001] in the DM group were obtained. Patients with DM had altered metabolism of Zn, Cu, Cr, Mn, and Mg, and this may be related to increased values of glycated hemoglobin. We concluded that imbalance in the levels of studied metals may play an important role in the pathogenesis of DM

Serum chromium, magnesium and zinc levels in sudanese type 2 diabetic patients

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the difference in serum chromium, magnesium and zinc levels between diabetic and control groups, and to determine the correlations between these elements and serum glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Forty patients suffering from type 2 diabetes and 30 controls were selected randomly. The level of serum chromium, magnesium and zinc were measured and compared between the two groups. Correlations of serum Cr, Mg and Zn with serum glucose were conducted. There was a very significant difference in some serum trace elements level between diabetic and control groups. Serum magnesium and zinc were significantly lower in diabetic group compared with the control group [P=0.014, P< 0.0001 respectively]. Negative but not significant correlations were shown between Cr, Mg and Zn and serum glucose. There is trace elements metabolism disorder in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Magnesium and zinc could be considered suitable for inclusion in a nutritional supplement for diabetes with significant value for the treatment of diabetics and prevention of complications

[ relationship between serum level of chromium and serum malondialdehyde in patients with type II diabetes]

Several studies indicate that there might be relations between the serum levels of chromium and risk factors of diabetes. However, in the majority of these studies the interaction between the serum levels of chromium and the status of body antioxidants has been neglected and the focus has just been given to the role of chromium in the prevention of insulin resistance. The present study has been designed with the purpose of investigating the relation between the serum levels of chromium and the serum malondialdehyde in patients with type 2 diabetes. The subjects under investigation consisted of 30 patients [15 females, 15 males] aged 30-60, with type 2 diabetes and a control group of 30 non-diabetic people [15 female, 15 male]. They were matched for age, gender and BMI. Blood sampling was taken from each participant to measure the blood levels of MDA and chromium and the relation between them was assessed by the Pearson correlation test. Mean serum chromium in diabetic group was found 0.80 +/- 0.28 micro gr/dl, but it was 1.19 +/- 0.33 micro gr/dl in control group [P<0.001]. Moreover, serum level of MDA was significantly higher in diabetic group compared to the control group [2.02 +/- 0.88 micro mol/lit versus 1.13 +/- 0.64 micro mol/lit, P<0.001]. The correlation test indicated that there was no significant association between serum levels of chromium with the serum level of MDA in these patients [P>0.05]. Findings of this study do not show any relation between the serum levels of chromium and malondialdehyde, in spite of a decreased serum concentration of chromium and an increased level in serum MDA in diabetic patients

Effects of trace elements on albumin and lipoprotein glycation in diabetic retinopathy

To test the effect of some trace elements, on protein and lipoprotein glycosylation and their impact on the severity of diabetic retinopathy. A case control study was conducted in 42 diabetic patients [14 without retinopathy [DC]; 14 with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy [NPDR]; 14 with proliferative diabetic retinopathy [PDR]] at Ebin Al-Haitham Specialized Hospital, Baghdad, Iraq for Ocular Diseases from February to December 2008. In addition to 20 age and gender matched healthy controls [NC]. The glycation of albumin, alpha-, pre beta-, and beta-lipoproteins was measured by agarose gel electrophoresis. Serum levels of cadmium [Cd], selenium [Se], chromium [Cr], zinc [Zn], and copper [Cu] were analyzed by flameless atomic absorption spectrophotometer. There was significant elevation in the mean serum glycated beta-lipoprotein in DC [p<0.05] and a near significant increase [p=0.06] in the means of both glycated albumin and pre beta-lipoproteins among the PDR and NPDR groups. Moreover, a significant reductions in serum means of Cd [p<0.05] and Zn/Cu ratios [p<0.001] were recorded in all diabetic retinopaths as compared to DC. The Cd level rises with the increase in duration of diabetes [p<0.001] and hyperglycemia [p<0.025] whereas, the serum Cr values decreases with the progression of diabetes [p<0.025]. Both glycation and oxidative processes are involved in the development of diabetic retinopathy, and changes in the concentration of Cd, Se, Cr, Zn, and Cu have some impact on the disease progression

Determination of Cr, Cd, As, Tl and Pb in blood by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry / 法医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To establish an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) method for determination of Cr, Cd, As, Tl and Pb in blood.@*METHODS@#The samples were digested by microwave digestion instrument. ICP-MS was applied to determine Cr, Cd, As, Tl and Pb in blood by using 115In as an internal standard.@*RESULTS@#The limits of detection were in the range of 0.00001-0.00249 microg/L. The accuracy of the method ranged from 90.1% to 110.7% and the precision ranged from 4.0% to 7.9%.@*CONCLUSION@#The method is accurate and rapid with superior sensitivity and linear range. It could be used in the poisoning cases caused by Cr, Cd, As, Tl and Pb.

Comparison of essential trace elements in blood of patients receiving Ramathibodi Standard Parenteral Nutrition with Ramatrace or a commercial formular.

OBJECTIVE: Commercially intravenous trace element product is very expensive compared to Ramatrace. Therefore, the present research was designed to compare the levels of zinc, copper chromium and manganese in the blood of patients receiving Ramathibodi Standard Parenteral Nutrition (STD) containing the Ramatrace or the commercial product. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Two groups of patients receiving STD were recruited. Group 1 (19 males and 11 females) received Ramatrace and Group 2 (19 males and 11 females) received a commercial product. Blood samples on day 0, day 3 and day 10 were measured for zinc, copper chromium and manganese levels by atomic absorption spectrophotometer (model 3100, Perkin Elmer). RESULTS: The present results showed that levels of zinc, copper, chromium and manganese were not significantly different between the two groups. On day 0, day 3 and day 10, the levels of zinc, copper and manganese in the blood of both groups were significantly increased (p < 0.05). Blood chromium levels of Group 1 were significantly increased from day 0 (0.14 +/- 0.02 microg/dL) to day 3 (0.23 +/- 0.02 microg/dL) but there was no significant difference between day 3 and day 10. In Group 2, the blood levels of chromium from day 0 to day 10 were significantly increased. CONCLUSION: In patients receiving STD, Ramatrace could improve the levels of zinc, copper, chromium and manganese as well as the commercial product. This may be one way to reduce the cost of treatment.

effect of administration of some dietary supplement on their levels in plasma and urine after severe muscular exercise in athletes

Minerals are essential for a wide variety of metabolic and physiologic processes in the human body. Some of the physiologic roles of minerals important to athletes are their involvement in: muscle contraction, normal heart rhythm, nerve impulse conduction, oxygen transport, oxidative phosphorylation, enzyme activation, immune functions, antioxidant activity, bone health, and acid-base balance of the blood. Magnesium, zinc, and chromium are mineral elements required in modest amounts to maintain health and optimal physiologic function. For physically active persons, adequate amounts of these micronutrients are needed in the diet to ensure the capacity for increased energy expenditure and work performance. Inadequate intakes of magnesium and zinc have been reported for participants in activities requiring restriction of body weight. The aim of this study is to examine the effect of taking the suggested selected nutritional supplements [magnesium, zinc, chromium] on their concentrations rate in blood and urine and to get the percentages averages of the selected supplements concentration after action levels in both blood and urine after the highintensity endurance exercise. It is an experimental study with prepost measurements classification as we used one experimental group and measured the physiological variables pre and post performing the exercise with and without the dietary supplement, respectively. The research sample was selected deliberately as 14 individuals of the high-technology institute in the 10[th] of Ramadan City students who practices swimming and subjected to taking the suggested supplements [Hl. Chrom Capsule 200 microgram- Vita Zinc Capsule 25 mg -Cal Mag Capsule 300 mg] 3 hours before performing the exercise on the treadmill by using Incremental Exercise Test. This study showed that there was reduction in the levels of selected minerals concentrations in the blood and increase in the levels of these minerals concentrations in the urine as a result of the highintensity endurance exercise but it is not significant reduction or significant increase. Also, there was increase in the concentrations of the selected minerals in the blood after taking the supplements as it compensates the loss which happens as result of sweat, urine, and feces. It is concluded that. The allure of supplemental magnesium, zinc, and chromium as a way to improve well-being and enhance physical performance should be viewed with caution. Experimental evidence indicates that acute physical activity increases loss of minerals but that these losses are transient. Furthermore, when dietary intake of the mineral elements is consistent with population guidelines, there is no alteration in mineral status as evidenced by plasma or serum concentrations. Evidence of beneficial effects of generalized supplementation of minerals is equivocal. Whereas some studies indicate improvement in physical performance with supplementation, the nutritional status of the participants is inadequately documented. So, it is recommended to have diets rich with the selected minerals to compensate the shortage which happens through its depletion in blood and increased secretion in urine as a result of the highintensity endurance exercise

Serum chromium, HDL-cholestol and APO A-l in diabetic patients

This study was done on sixteen [16] non insulin dependent diabetics without atherosclerosis and sixteen [16] noninsulin dependent diabetics with atherosclerosis in addition to sixteen [16] normal controls. In this study we found that: [A] NIDD patients without atherosclerosis compared to controls. Serum chromium and APOAl showed non-significant change. Total cholesterol showed a significant increase. HDL-cholesterol showed a significant decrease. B. NIDD patients with atherosclerosis as compared to controls. - Serum chromium and HDL-cho1esterol showed a significant decrease. - APO A -l showed non-significant change. - Total cholesterol showed a significant increase. C. NIDD patients with atherosclerosis as compared to those without atherosclerosis. - Serum chromium and APO Al showed non-significant change. - Total cholesterol showed a significant increase - HDL-cholesterol showed a significant decrease

Niveles séricos de cromo, cobre y cinc en un grupo de niños obesos / Serum levels of chrome, copper and zinc in a group of obese children

En un grupo de 53 niños obesos y 23 no obesos, de uno y otro sexos, en edades comprendidas entre 8 y 14 años, se determinaron las concentraciones de cromo, cinc y cobre séricos y se realizó la prueba de tolerancia a la glucosa. Para la clasificación de adiposidad se siguieron los críterios de peso para la talla y peso relativo en grasa. En los obesos se halló desnutrición marginal para el cinc y concentraciones menores de cromo. Los obesos con menores concentraciones de cromo y cinc necesitaron más tiempo para recuperar los niveles basales en la prueba de tolerancia a la glucosa, lo cual confirma la función reguladora de estos oligoelementos en el metabolismo de la glucosa