Toxic metals in maternal blood, cord blood and meconium of newborn infants in Pakistan

Toxic metals and deficiency/excess of trace elements can have adverse effects on health. The aim of this study was to quantify toxic metals lead, cadmium and trace elements zinc, copper, aluminium [Al] and Iron [Fe] levels in pregnant women, cord blood and meconium of new-born infants from industrial zones of Karachi, Pakistan. Analytical research was performed from 2011–2012 in low socio-economic pregnant mothers and newborn infants from 20 towns near Sindh Industrial Trading Estates, Federal B industrial area and Korangi industrial areas, Karachi, where environmental pollution was anticipated. Blood samples of pregnant women [n = 416], cord blood [n = 309] and meconium [n = 309] were analyzed quantitatively for metals and trace elements. Results indicated that mothers residing in steel towns were found to have the highest levels of lead. Meconium contained high levels of toxic heavy metals and trace elements compared to cord blood and maternal blood. Maternal blood toxic metals were present in high quantities. Therefore, safety measures should be taken when industrial waste is disposed of in order to prevent population contamination

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

Maternal Stress and Depressive Symptoms and Infant Development at Six Months: the Mothers and Children's Environmental Health (MOCEH) Prospective Study

Our objective is to evaluate the relationships between prenatal maternal stress and depressive symptoms, respectively, and infant neurodevelopment at 6 months, adjusted for heavy metals and oxidative stress. This research is a part of a multi-center birth cohort study in South Korea. Information on stress and depressive symptoms was collected during the first trimester using Psychosocial Well-Being Index Short Form (PWI-SF) and Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). The Korean Bayley Scales of Infant Development-II assessment (BSID-II), which includes the standardized mental development index (MDI) and psychomotor developmental index (PDI), and Korean Ages & Stages Questionnaires (K-ASQ) were applied to infants at six months of age. A higher index score indicates better development. Among 641 babies, 320 were female (50%). Maternal PWI ≥ 29 (vs. PWI ≤ 18) during early pregnancy was associated with a decrease in MDI scores of 5.37 points (P = 0.02) after adjusting for socioeconomic factors. Maternal CES-D ≥ 26 (vs. CES-D ≤ 10) during early pregnancy was associated with a decrease in MDI scores of 8.18 points (P = 0.01). The associations remained significant even after adjustment for lead, cadmium, and MDA levels (P < 0.05). However, no association was found between maternal PWI/CES-D and PDI score. No interaction was observed between stress and lead exposure. We found an inverse association between prenatal maternal stress and depressive symptoms, and MDI scores in 6-month-old infants after adjustment for prenatal lead exposure, which is known to affect cognitive function negatively.

Prevalence and Relationships of Iron Deficiency Anemia with Blood Cadmium and Vitamin D Levels in Korean Women

Anemia, iron deficiency (ID), and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) are common disorders. This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of anemia, ID, and IDA in Korean females. We examined the associations between IDA, heavy metals in blood, vitamin D level and nutritional intakes. The study was performed using on data collected from 10,169 women (aged > or =10 yr), including 1,232 with anemia, 2,030 with ID, and 690 with IDA during the fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES V; 2010-2012). Prevalence and 95% confidence intervals were calculated, and path analysis was performed to identify a multivariate regression model incorporating IDA, heavy metals in blood, vitamin D level, and nutritional intakes. The overall prevalence of anemia, ID and IDA was 12.4%, 23.11%, and 7.7%, respectively. ID and IDA were more prevalent among adolescents (aged 15-18 yr; 36.5% for ID; 10.7% for IDA) and women aged 19-49 yr (32.7% for ID; 11.3% for IDA). The proposed path model showed that IDA was associated with an elevated cadmium level after adjusting for age and body mass index (beta=0.46, P<0.001). Vitamin D levels were found to affect IDA negatively (beta=-0.002, P<0.001). This study shows that the prevalence of anemia, ID, and IDA are relatively high in late adolescents and women of reproductive age. Path analysis showed that depressed vitamin D levels increase the risk of IDA, and that IDA increases cadmium concentrations in blood. Our findings indicate that systematic health surveillance systems including educational campaigns and well-balanced nutrition are needed to control anemia, ID, and IDA.

Environmental Exposure to Arsenic, Lead, and Cadmium in People Living near Janghang Copper Smelter in Korea

Concentrations of heavy metals exceed safety thresholds in the soil near Janghang Copper Refinery, a smelter in Korea that operated from 1936 to 1989. This study was conducted to evaluate the level of exposure to toxic metals and the potential effect on health in people living near the smelter. The study included 572 adults living within 4 km of the smelter and compared them with 413 controls group of people living similar lifestyles in a rural area approximately 15 km from the smelter. Urinary arsenic (As) level did not decrease according to the distance from the smelter, regardless of gender and working history in smelters and mines. However, in subjects who had no occupational exposure to toxic metals, blood lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) and urinary Cd decreased according to the distance from the smelter, both in men and women. Additionally, the distance from the smelter was a determinant factor for a decrease of As, Pb, and Cd in multiple regression models, respectively. On the other hands, urinary Cd was a risk factor for renal tubular dysfunction in populations living near the smelter. These results suggest that Janghang copper smelter was a main contamination source of As, Pb, and Cd, and populations living near the smelter suffered some adverse health effects as a consequence. The local population should be advised to make efforts to reduce exposure to environmental contaminants, in order to minimize potential health effects, and to pay close attention to any health problems possibly related to toxic metal exposure.

Efectos genotóxicos asociados a metales pesados en una población humana de la región de La Mojana, Colombia, 2013 / Genotoxic effects in a human population exposed to heavy metals in the region of La Mojana, Colombia, 2013

Introducción. En Colombia, la minería es una actividad económica importante; sin embargo, genera grandes cantidades de residuos que contienen elementos potencialmente tóxicos, como los metales pesados, que contaminan los ecosistemas y ponen en riesgo la salud humana. La región de La Mojana es una de las zonas más ricas en biodiversidad del planeta y se ha visto sometida a procesos de contaminación muy relacionados con la minería de oro que se desarrolla en sus alrededores. Objetivo. Evaluar la genotoxicidad en una población expuesta a residuos de metales pesados en la región de La Mojana. Materiales y métodos. Se evaluaron los efectos genotóxicos y su relación con la concentración de metales pesados (mercurio, cadmio y plomo) en muestras de sangre de la población expuesta y el grupo de control. El grupo expuesto lo conformaron habitantes de los municipios de Guaranda, Sucre, Majagual y San Marcos; en el grupo de control se incluyó a habitantes del municipio de Montería. Se determinó el daño en el ADN mediante el ensayo cometa en condiciones alcalinas. Las concentraciones de mercurio se establecieron mediante espectrometría de absorción atómica con vapor frío, en tanto que las de cadmio y plomo se determinaron por espectrometría de absorción atómica en horno de grafito. Resultados. Las concentraciones de los metales sobrepasaron los límites permitidos por la Organización Mundial de la Salud. Se evidenciaron efectos genotóxicos posiblemente asociados a la presencia de los metales en la sangre. Se encontraron asociaciones significativas (p<0,05) entre la presencia de mercurio y de cadmio, y el daño en el ADN. Conclusión. Estos resultados sugieren que el daño genético registrado en pobladores de la región de La Mojana, Colombia, puede estar asociado a la presencia de los metales estudiados en las muestras de sangre.

Introduction: Mining is an economically important activity in Colombia which generates large quantities of residues containing potentially toxic elements such as heavy metals. These contaminate ecosystems and place human health at risk. La Mojana lies within one of the most biodiversity-rich zones on Earth and has been subjected to processes of contamination closely related to gold mining activities in the surrounding areas. Objective: To evaluate genotoxicity in the population of La Mojana region exposed to heavy metals. Materials and methods: Genotoxic effects and their relationship with concentrations of heavy metals (mercury, cadmium and lead) in blood were evaluated among an exposed population and a control group. The exposed group comprised inhabitants of the municipalities of Guaranda, Sucre, Majagual and San Marcos; inhabitants of the municipality of Montería were chosen as a control group. DNA damage was determined using the alkaline comet assay. Concentrations of mercury were determined by cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry, and those of cadmium and lead by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. Results: Concentrations of the heavy metals exceeded the limits permitted by the World Health Organization. Genotoxic effects were found in the exposed population, possibly associated with the presence of these metals in blood. Significant associations (p<0.05) were found between mercury and cadmium levels and damage to DNA. Conclusion: These results suggest that the genetic damage recorded among inhabitants of the region of La Mojana, Colombia, may be associated with the presence of heavy metals in the blood.

Environmental Heavy Metal Exposure and Chronic Kidney Disease in the General Population

Lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and cadmium (Cd) are common heavy metal toxins and cause toxicological renal effects at high levels, but the relevance of low-level environmental exposures in the general population is controversial. A total of 1,797 adults who participated in the KNHANES (a cross-sectional nationally representative survey in Korea) were examined, and 128 of them (7.1%) had chronic kidney disease (CKD). Our study assessed the association between Pb, Hg, Cd exposure, and CKD. Blood Pb and Cd levels were correlated with CKD in univariate logistic regression model. However, these environmental heavy metals were not associated with CKD after adjustment for age, sex, BMI, smoking, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, diabetes, and these metals in multivariate logistic regression models. We stratified the analysis according to hypertension or diabetes. In the adults with hypertension or diabetes, CKD had a significant association with elevated blood Cd after adjustment, but no association was present with blood Pb and Hg. The corresponding odds ratio [OR] of Cd for CKD were 1.52 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05-2.19, P=0.026) in adults with hypertension and 1.92 (95% CI, 1.14-3.25, P=0.014) in adults with diabetes. Environmental low level of Pb, Hg, Cd exposure in the general population was not associated with CKD. However, Cd exposure was associated with CKD, especially in adults with hypertension or diabetes. This finding suggests that environmental low Cd exposure may be a contributor to the risk of CKD in adults with hypertension or diabetes.

Serum cadmium levels in a sample of blood donors in the Western Amazon, Brazil, 2010-2011 / Niveis sericos de cadmio em uma amostra de doadores de sangue na Amazonia Ocidental, Brasil, 2010-2011 / Niveles sericos de cadmio en una muestra de donantes de sangre en la Amazonia occidental, Brasil, 2010-2011

A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the distribution of serum cadmium (Cd) levels in blood donors in Rio Branco, Acre State, Brazil. Blood samples were obtained from 922 volunteer blood donors from 18 to 65 years of age at the Hemoacre blood center in 2010-2011. Mean serum Cd was 0.37µg/L (95%CI: 0.33-0.41). Increased serum Cd was associated with lower schooling; individuals with less than five years of schooling showed a mean Cd of 0.61µg/L (95%CI: 0.34-0.89), compared to 0.34µg/L (95%CI: 0.28-0.40) among those with more than nine years of schooling. Mean serum Cd was three times higher among smokers. Smoking showed a positive association with Cd level, with an OR of 12.36 (95%CI: 7.70-19.84). Meanwhile, serum Cd was lower among individuals that regularly drank tea, as compared to non-tea drinkers. Serum Cd levels were mostly below the reference value (88.3% of participants). Mean serum Cd in the current study indicates that in general the population studied here is not exposed to worrisome Cd levels.

Objetivou-se, por meio de estudo transversal, determinar a distribuição dos níveis séricos de cádmio (Cd) em doadores de sangue em Rio Branco, Acre, Brasil. O sangue foi obtido de 922 doadores voluntários entre 18 e 65 anos no Hemoacre, entre 2010-2011. A média da concentração de Cd foi de 0,37µg/L (IC95%: 0,33-0,41). Houve tendência de aumento com a diminuição do nível de escolaridade; indivíduos com menos de cinco anos de estudo apresentaram média de 0,61µg/L (IC95%: 0,34-0,89), enquanto aqueles com mais de nove anos de estudo obtiveram média de 0,34µg/L (IC95%: 0,28-0,40). A média da concentração de Cd apresentou-se três vezes maior entre os fumantes. O tabagismo demonstrou associação positiva com OR 12,36 (IC95%: 7,70-19,84). Já a concentração de Cd entre os indivíduos com hábitos de tomar chás apresenta- se menor quando comparada àqueles que não utilizam. Os níveis séricos de Cd foram, em sua maioria, abaixo do valor de referência (88,3% dos participantes). As médias encontradas no presente estudo indicam que, no geral, a população estudada não está exposta a níveis preocupantes de exposição ao Cd.

El objetivo de utilizar un estudio transversal para determinar la distribución de los niveles séricos de Cd en los donantes de Río Branco no expuestos al metal. Se obtuvo sangre de 922 voluntarios de entre 18 y 65 años en Hemoacre entre 2010-2011. La concentración media de Cd fue 0,37µg/L (IC95%: 0,33-0,41). Hubo una tendencia de aumento según el nivel educativo: las personas con menos de cinco años de estudio tenían una media de 0,61µg/l (IC95%: 0,34-0,89), mientras que quienes contaban con más de nueve años de escolaridad poseían un promedio 0,34µg/L (IC95%: 0,28-0,40). La concentración promedio de Cd se presentó tres veces mayor entre los fumadores. El consumo de cigarrillos mostró una asociación positiva con OR 12,36 (IC95%: 7,70-19,84). Ya la concentración de Cd en las personas con hábitos de tomar té era más pequeña en comparación con aquellos que no lo toman. Los niveles séricos de Cd fueron en su mayoría por debajo del valor de referencia (88,3% de los participantes). Los medios encontrados en este estudio indican que, en general, la población no está expuesta a niveles preocupantes de Cd.

Blood Cadmium Concentration of Residents Living near Abandoned Metal Mines in Korea

The purpose of this study was to investigate demographic and lifestyle variables and blood cadmium concentrations in residents living near abandoned metal mines in Korea. Blood cadmium concentrations were measured in 15,161 subjects living around abandoned metal mines (exposed group, n = 14,464) and compared with those living in designated control areas (control group, n = 697). A questionnaire was provided to all subjects to determine age, gender, mine working history, times of residence, smoking habits and dietary water type. The geometric mean (95% confidence intervals) of blood cadmium concentration (1.25 [1.24-1.27] microg/L) in the exposed group was significantly higher than in the control group (1.17 [1.13-1.22] microg/L). Mean residence time and mine working history in the exposed group were significantly higher than in the control group. Blood cadmium concentrations increased with increasing age, and residence time in both groups, and blood cadmium concentrations were higher in current-smokers than in non-smokers in both groups. This study shows the geometric mean of blood cadmium concentration in abandoned mining areas are higher than in non-mining areas in the general adult Korean population.

Inappropriate Survey Design Analysis of the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey May Produce Biased Results / 예방의학회지

OBJECTIVES: The inherent nature of the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) design requires special analysis by incorporating sample weights, stratification, and clustering not used in ordinary statistical procedures. METHODS: This study investigated the proportion of research papers that have used an appropriate statistical methodology out of the research papers analyzing the KNHANES cited in the PubMed online system from 2007 to 2012. We also compared differences in mean and regression estimates between the ordinary statistical data analyses without sampling weight and design-based data analyses using the KNHANES 2008 to 2010. RESULTS: Of the 247 research articles cited in PubMed, only 19.8% of all articles used survey design analysis, compared with 80.2% of articles that used ordinary statistical analysis, treating KNHANES data as if it were collected using a simple random sampling method. Means and standard errors differed between the ordinary statistical data analyses and design-based analyses, and the standard errors in the design-based analyses tended to be larger than those in the ordinary statistical data analyses. CONCLUSIONS: Ignoring complex survey design can result in biased estimates and overstated significance levels. Sample weights, stratification, and clustering of the design must be incorporated into analyses to ensure the development of appropriate estimates and standard errors of these estimates.

Níveis de cádmio em sangue e urina dos habitantes do entorno de uma reserva ecológica no Pantanal Mato-grossense / Levels of cadmium in blood and urine of inhabitants in the vicinity of an ecological reserve in the Pantanal

A poluição ambiental e seus potenciais efeitos sobre os diversos organismos e ecossistemas se apresentam como grandes temas da saúde pública na atualidade, incluindo-se nessa discussão os níveis de exposição aos xenobióticos. Os metais se encontram entre os principais poluentes ambientais, cuja relevância se baseia em características peculiares tais como persistência no ambiente, alto potencial tóxico e propriedade de bioacumulação. O cádmio é um dos metais com maior potencial de causar impacto ao ambiente e a saúde humana. Este metal ganha importância não somente por sua ocorrência natural, mas também por sua utilização em vários ramos produtivos, sua capacidade de contaminação do meio ambiente e por seus possíveis efeitos sobre os organismos vivos. Os objetivos desse estudo foram: determinar a concentração de cádmio no sangue (Cd-S) e cádmio na urina (Cd-U) da população estudada; comparar os níveis de cádmio no sangue e na urina com valores de referência apresentados na literatura; verificar a existência de correlação entre os níveis de cádmio no sangue e na urina; relacionar a concentração do metal com variáveis sócio-econômicas, caracterizando possíveis fatores de risco. O estudo ocorreu no entorno da Estância Ecológica SESC Pantanal, no município de Poconé. A coleta de dados foi realizada através da aplicação de um questionário padronizado fundamentado para o conhecimento das variáveis sócio-economicas e fatores de risco para a exposição ao metal. Coletou-se o sangue total e urina da população cujo universo amostral foi de cento e vinte e um sujeitos. A metodologia para a determinação do cádmio nos fluidos biológicos foi a espectrometria de absoro atômica eletrotérmica, enquanto que o programa estatístico SPSS foi utilizado para a análise dos dados.

Environmental pollution and its potential effects on various organisms and ecosystems are presented as major public health issues today, including discussion about exposure levels to xenobiotics. Metals are among the major environmental pollutants. These chemicals have relevance depending on the existence of features such as persistence in the environment, property and high toxic potential for bioaccumulation. Cadmium has a great potential to impact the environment and human health. This metal becomes important not only for its natural occurrence, but also for its use in various production areas. Cadmium can cause environmental contamination and effects on living organisms. The objectives of this study was: to determine the concentration of cadmium in blood (Cd-S) and cadmium in urine (Cd-U) of the study population to compare the levels of cadmium in blood and urine to the values given in literature: check the correlation between the levels of cadmium inblood and urine; correlate metal concentration with socio-economic variables, characterizing the possible risk factors. The study took place in the vicinity of the SESC Pantanal Resort, in the municipality of Poconé. Data collection was performedby applying a standardized questionnaire based to knowledge of the socio-economic variables and risk factors for exposure to the metal. Whole blood and urine samples were collected from one hundred and twenty-one subjects. The methodology for the determination of cadmium in biological fluids was the electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry. The statistical analysis was performed using SPSS for Windows. The cadmium mean was 0.57 +- 0.21 ¦Ìg L-1 for total blood and 0.45 +- 0.32 ¦Ìg L-1 for urine. The Cd-S showed no significant variance compared to the benchmark used for comparison (0.6 ¦Ìg L-1), however,...

The Effect of Exposure Factors on the Concentration of Heavy Metals in Residents Near Abandoned Metal Mines / 예방의학회지

OBJECTIVES: This study assessed the factors that have an influence on the residents exposed to heavy metals, and we utilized the findings to establish the proper management of abandoned metal mines in the future. METHODS: For a total of 258 residents who lived close to abandoned mines in Gangwon-province and Gyeonggi-province, the exposure factors and biomarkers in their blood and urine were comparatively analyzed via multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: The blood levels of lead and mercury and the cadmium levels in urine were found to be higher in the study group than that in the average Korean. For the blood levels of heavy metals according to each exposure factor, all of them were found to be significantly higher in both of the group residing for a longer period of time and the group living closer to the source of pollutants. Multiple regression analysis disclosed that all the heavy metals, except lead, in their blood were significantly reduced in proportion to the increased distance of inhabitancy from the mines. Their other biomarkers were within the normal ranges. CONCLUSIONS: We found that the distance between the residential village and the mines was a factor that affects the blood level of heavy metals in the villagers. This finding could be an important factor when developing a management model for the areas that surround abandoned metal mines. (ED note: I much like this important study.)

[Evaluation of the levels of industrial cadmium in the worker's serum and defining its role in cancer disease]

Many studies show the toxic effects of cadmium and its active role in cancerous. So in this perspective, we try to investigate these toxic effects in workers of some specific industries with the cadmium is considered as one of its substance components, such as batteries pigments' and paintings. We analyze in our study the serum of some patients suffering by the cancer and working in direct contact with the cadmium, and compare the results with that concerning a sample of worker suffering by the cancer but working in industries clean by this material. To Perform our study, we use the atomic absorption spectrometer assay to calibrate the level of cadmium in the serum, and we follow the student test between groups in the statistical study of the laboratory results. This research shows the rising of the level of cadmium in the workers who are in direct contact with this material; where it reached the double of whom work in clean industries and it reveal its active role in the development of the cancer

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.

Valores de referência para chumbo, cádmio e mercúrio em população adulta da Região Metropolitana de São Paulo / Reference values for lead, cadmium and mercury in blood of adults from the Metropolitan Area of São Paulo

O uso de biomarcadores para avaliar a exposição da população humana a contaminantes ambientais, a biomonitorização humana (BH), fornece uma relação direta entre exposição à substância química e a dose interna. Os resultados da BH da população geral devem ser comparados com valores de referência (VR), obtidos de um grupo definido da população geral e derivados por método estatístico. Esses VR, em geral, determinam o limite superior da exposição basal. O objetivo deste estudo foi derivar VR de chumbo, cádmio e mercúrio em sangue para a população adulta da Região Metropolitana de São Paulo (RMSP), e verificar associação entre os níveis desses metais no sangue e variáveis sócio-demográficas e de estilo de vida. Foram coletadas amostras de doadores de sangue em 9 postos de coleta em 2006, que residiam na RMSP, não fumantes e sem exposição ocupacional aos metais estudados. Informações sobre as variáveis de interesse foram obtidas por meio de questionário. Os VR derivados correspondem ao limite superior do IC95% do P95, e foram para homens de 18 a 39 anos 59,73 g/L para Pb, 0,41 g/L para Cd e 4,30 g/L para Hg; para mulheres 47,09 g/L para Pb, 0,48 g/L para Cd e 3,71 g/L para Hg. Para homens de 40 a 65 anos 79,84 g/L para Pb, 0,35 g/L para Cd e 5,10 g/L para Hg; para mulheres 63,10 g/L para Pb, 0,44 g/L para Cd e 6,10 g/L para Hg. Os VR de chumbo mostraram-se inferiores aos derivados para a população de Londrina (Brasil), foram semelhantes aos da República Checa e Alemanha, mas superiores aos do estudo populacional dos EUA (NHANES). Os VR de Cd foram bem inferiores aos das populações desses países, cujos valores estão acima de 1 g/L. Os VR de Hg foram semelhantes aos dos EUA e superiores aos da Alemanha e República Checa. Os níveis de Pb e Cd em sangue apresentaram associação significativa com sexo e faixa etária. Homens apresentaram 50% mais chumbo em sangue, e indivíduos entre 40 e 65 anos apresentaram 23% mais chumbo em relação aos de 18 a 39 anos...

The use of biomarkers to assess the exposure of humans to environmental contaminants, human biomonitoring (HB), provides a direct relationship between chemical exposure and internal dose. The results of the HB of the general population should be compared with reference values (RV) obtained in a defined group of the general population and derived by statistical methods. These RV generally determine the upper limit of the exposure baseline. The aim of this study was to derive RV for lead, cadmium and mercury in blood of adults from the Metropolitan Area of Sao Paulo (MASP) (Brazil), and to investigate the association between blood metals and sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. Samples from blood donors were collected in 9 blood centers in 2006, they were residents in the MASP, non smokers, and without any occupational exposure to the studied metals. Information about variables of interest was obtained by questionnaire. The RV derived for men aged 18 to 39 years were 59,73 g/L for Pb, 0,41 g/L for Cd e 4,30 g/L for Hg; for women 47,09 g/L for Pb, 0,48 g/L for Cd and 3,71 g/L for Hg. For men aged 40 and 65 years 79,84 g/L for Pb, 0,35 g/L for Cd and 5,10 g/L for Hg; for women 63,10 g/L for Pb, 0,44 g/L for Cd and 6,10 g/L for Hg. The RV for lead appeared to be lower than those derived for the population of Londrina (Brazil), were similar to the Czech Republic and Germany, but higher than the one observed in a study of the U.S. population (NHANES). Conversely, RV for Cd were well below of those from these countries, which have values above 1 g/L. The RV for Hg were similar to the U.S and higher than the value in Germany and in the Czech Republic. The levels of Pb and Cd in blood showed a significant association with sex and age. Men had 50% more lead in blood, and individuals between 40 and 65 years old showed 23% more lead than those in 18 to 39 years old. The variable most related to the levels of Hg was fish consumption...

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

Detection of some toxic heavy metals in meat and offal of slaughtered cattle in Tanta abattoir, Gharbia governorate

A lot of one hundred and twenty random samples of meat, liver and kidney were collected from young and old slaughtered cattle [20 of each] at Tanta slaughter house, Gharbia governorate, Egypt, for detection of some heavy metal residues as Lead, cadmium and mercury by using Atomic absorption spectrometer. The results revealed that the highest mean value of lead concentration was recorded as 0.606 +/- 0.190 mg/kg wet weight in weight in old slaughtered cattle liver, while the lowest mean value of lead concentration was 0.036 +/- 0.016 mg/ kg wet weight in meat samples of young slaughtered cattle. More over, the highest mean value of cadmium concentration was recorded in as slaughtered cattle 1.752 +/- 0.469 mg/kg wet weight in kidney sample, while the lowest value of cadmium level in young slaughtered cattle was 0.858 +/- 0.133 mg/kg wet weight in meat samples. Regarding the mercury concentration in slaughtered cattle the highest level was recorded in liver of old aged cattle 0.499 +/- 0.171 mg/kg wet weight, whilemean the lowest results were recorded in meat sample of young aged slaughtered cattle as 0.218 + 0.041, All the obtained results of lead cadmium and mercury were compared with the permissible limsts of FAO/WHQ [1992] and ES [1993] and public health hazards of such toxic heavy metals were discussed. Hygienic measures and awareness programs were implemented to avoid contamination of meat and offal with such toxic heavy meals

Investigation on Health Effects of an Abandoned Metal Mine

To investigate potential health risks associated with exposure to metals from an abandoned metal mine, the authors studied people living near an abandoned mine (n=102) and control groups (n=149). Levels of cadmium, copper, arsenic, lead, and zinc were measured in the air, soil, drinking water, and agricultural products. To assess individual exposure, biomarkers of each metal in blood and urine were measured. beta2-microglobulin, alpha1-microglobulin, and N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase and bone mineral density were measured. Surface soil in the study area showed 2-10 times higher levels of metals compared to that of the control area. Metal concentrations in the groundwater and air did not show any notable differences between groups. Mean concentrations of cadmium and copper in rice and barley from the study area were significantly higher than those of the control area (p<0.05). Geometric means of blood and urine cadmium in the study area were 2.9 microgram/L and 1.5 microgram/g Cr, respectively, significantly higher than those in the control area (p<0.05). There were no differences in the levels of urinary markers of early kidney dysfunction and bone mineral density. The authors conclude that the residents near the abandoned mine were exposed to higher levels of metals through various routes.

Interaction between anemia and blood levels of iron, zinc, copper, cadmium and lead in children.

OBJECTIVE: Anemia is a widespread problem among infants and children in many parts of the world, and it is often associated with some trace elements (iron, zinc, copper) and heavy metals (cadmium and lead). Aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between anemia and these elements. METHODS: This research was performed on 256 children (mean age 6.8 +/- 0.2) living in Denizli city center. We observed iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in 23 children, iron deficiency without anemia (ID) in 36 children and only anemia (ferritin level normal) (OA) in 18 children, and 179 children were found healthy and they were regarded as controls (C). Blood samples were taken from subjects and the concentrations of zinc, copper, iron, cadmium and lead in serum were measured with atomic absorption spectrophotometer. RESULTS: The levels of copper, cadmium and lead in serum were significantly higher in children with IDA than those of controls (p<0.05, p<0.05, p<0.01, respectively). The other elements in the serum of ID were not different from controls. CONCLUSION: High copper, cadmium and lead decreased iron absorption and negatively affected hematological parameters.

Accumulation of cadmium and iron in the hydrocele fluid of infertile men with primary varicocele: a possible role in male infertility

Varicoceles are a common cause of male infertility, but despite data from human studies some points of the pathophsiology remains unclear. Seminal plasma cadmium concentrations were found to be increased in infertile men. In addition, increases in blood plasma cadmium concentrations in infertile men have been associated with teratozoospermia. Cadmium contributes to infertility by induction of apoptosis in testicular tissue

Methods: An ejaculate and blood sample were collected immediately before surgery from 45 infertile men with varicocele classified into 3 groups [group 1 included 12 oligospermic, group 2 included 14 asthenospermic and group 3 included 19 oligoasthenospermic men] followed by aspiration of hydrocele fluid from the tunica vaginalis at the time of subinguinal varicocelectomy. Blood samples were collected from 10 healthy fertile men as control group. In each specimen, cadmium and iron levels were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometer and the effect of hydrocele fluid on the sperm velocity was determined by examining aliquots of sperms suspended in hydrocele fluid compared to those suspended in seminal plasma

Results: The cadmium level was found to be significantly higher in the hydrocele fluid than peripheral blood, while the increase in the iron level was found to be non significant in the 3 patients groups with bilateral varicocele. Hydrocele fluid added to the sperms, initially increased the motility for 10 to 15 minutes then the velocity diminished gradually and eventually all the sperms became immotile in 30 minutes

Conclusions: 1- The hydrocele fluid in patients with varicocele has a deleterious effect on the sperm vitality. 2- The increased cadmium and iron concentrations in the hydrocele fluid are probably drived from the increased transvascular fluid exchange which occurs with varicocele. 3- These metal ions may diffuse from the hydrocele fluid to the sperms during their maturation in the epididymis and induce their acrosomal insufficiency effect