1.The Association of Blood Concentrations of Healvy Metals and Blood Pressure in Residents Living Near Janghang Copper Smelter in Korea.
Sang Yong EOM ; Dong Hyuk YIM ; Sun In MOON ; Bolormaa OCHIRPUREV ; Young Sook CHOI ; Choong Hee PARK ; Guen Bae KIM ; Seung Do YU ; Byung Sun CHOI ; Jung Duck PARK ; Yong Dae KIM ; Heon KIM
Journal of Agricultural Medicine & Community Health 2017;42(1):13-23
OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to evaluate a relationship between the blood concentrations of toxic metals and the blood pressure in people living near the copper smelter. METHODS: The study included 570 adults living within 4km of the smelter. We compared systolic and diastolic blood pressure between tertiary groups for blood cadmium, mercury and lead levels, respectively. Multiple regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors affecting systolic and diastolic blood pressures. RESULTS: In male subjects, there is a significant difference in the mean of systolic and diastolic blood pressure between tertiary groups of blood cadmium and mercury levels, but in women, there was no significant difference in the mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures in all tertiary groups of heavy metals. The results of multiple regression analysis showed that age, BMI, and cadmium concentration in men were risk factors for blood pressure. CONCLUSIONS: Residents living near the Janghang smelter showed high concentrations of blood lead and cadmium, suggesting that they were exposed to high concentrations of heavy metals released from the smelter in the past. Such exposure may have caused some blood pressure increase. Especially, the concentration of cadmium in the case of men and the concentration of mercury in blood in the case of women were found to be significantly related to the increase of blood pressure. The local population should be advised to make efforts to reduce exposure to environmental contaminants, in order to minimize cardiovascular disease, and to pay close attention to any health problems possibly related to toxic metal exposure.
Adult
;
Blood Pressure*
;
Cadmium
;
Cardiovascular Diseases
;
Copper*
;
Female
;
Humans
;
Korea*
;
Male
;
Metals*
;
Metals, Heavy
;
Risk Factors
2.Heavy Metal Assessment among Chinese Nonferrous Metal-exposed Workers from the Jinchang Cohort Study.
Ai Min YANG ; Zhi Yuan CHENG ; Hong Quan PU ; Ning CHENG ; Hai Yan LI ; Si Min LIU ; Jiao DING ; Juan Sheng LI ; Xiao Bin HU ; Xiao Wei REN ; Tong Zhang ZHENG ; Ya Na BAI
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2017;30(7):530-534
Environmental exposure to heavy metals has been linked to a wide range of human health hazards. We detected the levels of 15 metals in urine samples from 500 representative sub-samples in an ongoing occupational cohort study (Jinchang Cohort) to directly evaluate metal exposure levels. Fifteen metals, namely As, Ba, Be, Cd, Cs, Cr, Co, Cu, Pb, Mn, Ni, Se, Tl, U, and Zn, were detected by inductively coupled plasma quadruple mass spectrometry. The results showed that median creatinine adjustment and geometric mean urinary metal levels were higher in the heavy metal-exposed group, except Se and Zn, than other reported general or occupational populations. Further studies should address the effects of heavy metals on human health.
China
;
Cohort Studies
;
Environmental Pollutants
;
blood
;
Humans
;
Metals, Heavy
;
blood
;
Occupational Exposure
3.Determination of Cr, Cd, As, Tl and Pb in blood by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.
Dong MA ; Min SHEN ; Xian-yi ZHUO ; Hui YAN ; Ping XIANG ; Wei LIU
Journal of Forensic Medicine 2009;25(1):37-39
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.
Arsenic/blood*
;
Cadmium/blood*
;
Chromium/blood*
;
Forensic Toxicology
;
Humans
;
Lead/blood*
;
Mass Spectrometry/methods*
;
Metals, Heavy/blood*
;
Titanium/blood*
4.Loss of Integrity: Impairment of the Blood-brain Barrier in Heavy Metal-associated Ischemic Stroke.
Jeong Hyeon KIM ; Hyeong Min BYUN ; Eui Cheol CHUNG ; Han Young CHUNG ; Ok Nam BAE
Toxicological Research 2013;29(3):157-164
Although stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide, preventive or therapeutic options are still limited. Therefore, a better understanding of the pathophysiological characteristics of this life-threatening disease is urgently needed. The incidence and prevalence of ischemic stroke are increased by exposure to certain types of xenobiotics, including heavy metals, suggesting the possible toxicological contribution of these compounds to the onset or aggravation of stroke. Among the potential targets, we have focused on alterations to cerebral endothelial cells (CECs), which play important roles in maintaining the functional integrity of brain tissue.
Blood-Brain Barrier*
;
Brain
;
Cause of Death
;
Endothelial Cells
;
Incidence
;
Metals, Heavy
;
Prevalence
;
Stroke*
;
Tight Junctions
;
Xenobiotics
5.A study of relationship between blood mercury concentration and hypertension in residents living in old mine fields and related factors
Jeong Woo KIM ; Byoung Gwon KIM ; Jeong Woo PARK ; Jong Woo YI ; Jung Il KIM ; Young Seoub HONG
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2019;31(1):e6-
BACKGROUND: In Korea, around the abandoned metal mines, heavy metals are being accumulating in the cultivated areas. Among exposed heavy metals, mercury is known to harm for cardiovascular system known to affect blood pressure. So, we studied the relationship between blood mercury level and hypertension in residents around abandoned metal mines. METHODS: From 2008 to 2011, we surveyed 7,055 residents in provinces affected by abandoned metal mines and collected data from 6 Hospitals. We conducted a personal questionnaire interview survey with residents on the basis of household questionnaires, sex, age, household income, smoking, and drinking items. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the association between blood mercury level and hypertension. RESULTS: We compared residents with low and high groups based on blood mercury level 5.8 μg/L, and higher group was significantly higher risk of hypertension than lower group (odds ratio [OR]: 1.277; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.135–1.436), also in adjusted model, higher group was significantly higher risk of hypertension than lower group (OR: 1.276; 95% CI: 1.117–1.457). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed a significant correlation between mercury and hypertension in residents around abandoned metal mines. Therefore, we should continuously monitor people who are higher than the standard value and the hypertensive patients.
Blood Pressure
;
Cardiovascular System
;
Drinking
;
Family Characteristics
;
Humans
;
Hypertension
;
Korea
;
Logistic Models
;
Metals, Heavy
;
Smoke
;
Smoking
6.The Challenges of Diagnosing and Following Wilson Disease in the Presence of Proteinuria.
Soofia KHAN ; Michael SCHILSKY ; Gary SILBER ; Bruce MORGENSTERN ; Tamir MILOH
Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition 2016;19(2):139-142
The coexistence of Wilson disease with Alport syndrome has not previously been reported. The diagnosis of Wilson disease and its ongoing monitoring is challenging when associated with an underlying renal disease such as Alport syndrome. Proteinuria can lead to low ceruloplasmin since it is among serum proteins inappropriately filtered by the damaged glomerulus, and can also lead to increased urinary loss of heavy metals such as zinc and copper. Elevated transaminases may be attributed to dyslipidemia or drug induced hepatotoxicity. The accurate diagnosis of Wilson disease is essential for targeted therapy and improved prognosis. We describe a patient with a diagnosis of Alport syndrome who has had chronic elevation of transaminases eventually diagnosed with Wilson disease based on liver histology and genetics.
Blood Proteins
;
Ceruloplasmin
;
Copper
;
Diagnosis
;
Dyslipidemias
;
Genetics
;
Hepatolenticular Degeneration*
;
Humans
;
Liver
;
Metals, Heavy
;
Nephritis, Hereditary
;
Prognosis
;
Proteinuria*
;
Transaminases
;
Zinc
7.The association between cadmium and lead exposure and blood pressure among workers of a smelting industry: a cross-sectional study.
Hyun Chan AN ; Joo Hyun SUNG ; Jiho LEE ; Chang Sun SIM ; Sang Hoon KIM ; Yangho KIM
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2017;29(1):47-
BACKGROUND: Lead and cadmium are harmful heavy metals that are used for a variety of occupational purposes. Considering their potentially hazardous effects on health, studies on the association between exposure to these two heavy metals and health disorders have been actively conducted. This study aimed to determine the association between blood lead and cadmium levels and blood pressure in workers exposed to lead and cadmium in a smelter. METHODS: Nine hundred and sixty-three male workers who worked in a smelter, and underwent medical examinations at the Ulsan University Hospital between January 1 and December 31, 2014, were selected as participants. Among them, 310 subjects whose data on height, weight, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, lipid profile, and blood lead and cadmium levels were available and who answered the questionnaire were selected as the final participants. We investigated the drinking habit, smoking status, exercise adequacy, and family history of hypertension of these workers using formal questionnaires. A statistical analysis was conducted using Student's t-test, analysis of variance, and linear or logistic regression. RESULTS: The association between blood lead and cadmium levels and blood pressure was analyzed through statistical adjustment of the risk factors of hypertension. Results showed an association between blood cadmium level and blood pressure elevation. However, blood lead level was found to be not correlated with blood pressure elevation. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows the association between blood cadmium level and systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) elevation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: IRB No. 2017–03-037. Retrospectively Registered 30 March 2017.
Blood Glucose
;
Blood Pressure*
;
Cadmium*
;
Cross-Sectional Studies*
;
Drinking
;
Ethics Committees, Research
;
Fasting
;
Humans
;
Hypertension
;
Logistic Models
;
Male
;
Metals, Heavy
;
Osmeriformes*
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Risk Factors
;
Smoke
;
Smoking
;
Ulsan
8.Blood Pb, Urine Cd and Health Assessment of Residents in the Vicinity of Abandoned Mines in Gyeongsangbuk-do.
Jong Hak CHUNG ; Pock Soo KANG ; Chang Yoon KIM ; Kyung Soo LEE ; Tae Yoon HWANG ; Gyu Tae KIM ; Jong Seo PARK ; Si Young PARK ; Dae Seop KIM ; Ou Taek LIM ; Joon SAKONG
Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2005;17(3):225-237
OBJECTIVES: The objective of this health assessment is to evaluate the health risks that may result from exposure to abandoned mine tailings in Gyeongsangbuk-do. The tailings are remnants from an earlier flotation mill and mining operation that was in business from the early 1930's until 1970. METHODS: The soil, stream water, and drinking water in and around three abandoned mine areas, Soochul, Gumjang, Darock, and three control areas located in Gyeongsangbuk-do were analyzed for level of Cd, Pb, Cu, As, and Hg. Potential chronic health effects were evaluated by interview and medical examination. RESULTS: Some soil and stream samples exceeded the Korean standard for soil contamination in farmland and the Korean standard of water contamination in streams respectively. Blood lead (5.37 microgram/dl) and urine cadmium (2.79 microgram/g Cr) levels of the residents in the vicinity of the abandoned mine sites were significantly higher than of the residents in the control areas (blood lead, 4.34 microgram/dl; urine cadmium, 1.62 microgram/g Cr). There were no significant differences between the mining and control areas in terms of blood pressure, Hb, BUN, creatinine, SGOT, SGPT, fasting blood sugar, and the prevalence of potential chronic diseases. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the assessment suggested that the three abandoned mine sites do not pose an apparent health risk to nearby residents. Nevertheless, the elevated blood lead and urine cadmium levels in the residents of the abandoned mine site suggested that it might be an important source of heavy metals contamination. Therefore, a nationwide evaluation program is needed to assess the potential health risks of residents living in the vicinity of abandoned mine sites.
Alanine Transaminase
;
Aspartate Aminotransferases
;
Blood Glucose
;
Blood Pressure
;
Cadmium
;
Chronic Disease
;
Commerce
;
Creatinine
;
Drinking Water
;
Fasting
;
Gyeongsangbuk-do*
;
Metals, Heavy
;
Mining
;
Prevalence
;
Rivers
;
Soil
;
Water
9.Impact of antioxidant vitamins and heavy metal levels at birth on neurodevelopment of children assessed at two years of age.
Ting-yu LI ; Xuan ZHANG ; Xiao-ping WEI ; Yong-fang LIU ; Ping QU ; You-xue LIU ; Jie CHEN
Chinese Journal of Pediatrics 2011;49(6):439-444
OBJECTIVEEpidemiologic study on the perinatal interaction of antioxidant vitamins and heavy metals on offspring's intellectual development is extremely limited. The aim of this prospective cohort study was to investigate the status of maternal and cord blood antioxidant vitamins (Vitamin A, E and C) and heavy metals (lead, cadmium and mercury) at delivery and correlations between these antioxidant vitamins or metals and neurodevelopment of early childhood, and to explore the protective effect of antioxidant vitamins against the injure of heavy metals to intellectual development in children in Tongliang, Chongqing, China.
METHODA total of 150 pairs of mothers-neonates were recruited. Serum concentrations of vitamin(V) A, vitamin E, vitamin C, lead, cadmium and mercury in maternal and cord blood after delivery were determined and intellectual development was evaluated by Gesell Development Schedule (GDS) at two years of age.
RESULTA total of 111 pairs of maternal-neonatal subjects with completed data were included into statistical analysis. After adjusting for potential confounders, cord blood mercury level was found negatively associated with all the development quotients (DQs) (β = -0.486, β = -0.716, β = -0.846, β = -0.935, β = -0.702, P < 0.05). Cord VE level was positively correlated with motor, adaptation, language and average DQ (β = 0.475, β = 0.458, β = 0.403, β = 0.395, P < 0.05). When antioxidant vitamins and heavy metals levels were all included into the multiple regression model, cord vitamin E level was statistically positively related with motor, adaptation and average DQs (β = 0.449, β = 0.412, β = 0.349, P < 0.05). While cord blood mercury level was negatively correlated with adaptation, language, social and average DQ (β = -0.397, β = -0.727, β = -0.935, β = -0.628, P < 0.05), the relationship between cord mercury level and motor DQ was not statistically significant (P = 0.0890). The motor, adaptation, language and average DQs in high cord VE group were higher than those in low VE group (t = 2.93, t = 2.06, t = 2.13, t = 2.27, P < 0.05). Social DQ in high cord lead group was significantly lower than that in low lead group (χ(2) = 5.56, P = 0.015). Cord VC level in high cadmium group was significantly lower than that in low cadmium group (χ(2) = 7.62, P = 0.006). VA placental transport ratio in high mercury group was significantly lower than those in low mercury group (χ(2) = 8.02, P = 0.005).
CONCLUSIONOur data suggested that there may be certain interaction between antioxidant vitamin A, E, C and heavy metals lead, cadmium, mercury. Antioxidant vitamins at delivery may have protective effect on the early neurodevelopment via interaction with the heavy metals.
Adult ; Antioxidants ; analysis ; Child Development ; Child, Preschool ; Cohort Studies ; Female ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Intelligence Tests ; Metals, Heavy ; blood ; Pregnancy ; Prospective Studies ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Vitamins ; blood
10.Associations between metal concentrations in whole blood and placenta previa and placenta accreta: the Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS).
Mayumi TSUJI ; Eiji SHIBATA ; David J ASKEW ; Seiichi MOROKUMA ; Yukiyo AIKO ; Ayako SENJU ; Shunsuke ARAKI ; Masafumi SANEFUJI ; Yasuhiro ISHIHARA ; Rie TANAKA ; Koichi KUSUHARA ; Toshihiro KAWAMOTO ; Japan Environment and Children’s Study Group
Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine 2019;24(1):40-40
BACKGROUND:
Placenta previa and placenta accreta associate with high morbidity and mortality for both mothers and fetus. Metal exposure may have relationships with placenta previa and placenta accreta. This study analyzed the associations between maternal metal (cadmium [Cd], lead [Pb], mercury [Hg], selenium [Se], and manganese [Mn]) concentrations and placenta previa and placenta accreta.
METHODS:
We recruited 17,414 women with singleton pregnancies. Data from a self-administered questionnaire regarding the first trimester and medical records after delivery were analyzed. Maternal blood samples were collected to measure metal concentrations. The subjects were classified into four quartiles (Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4) according to metal concentrations.
RESULTS:
The odds ratio for placenta previa was significantly higher among subjects with Q4 Cd than those with Q1 Cd. The odds ratio for placenta previa was significantly higher for subjects with Q2 Pb than those with Q1 Pb.
CONCLUSION
Participants with placenta previa had higher Cd concentrations. However, this study was cross-sectional and lacked important information related to Cd concentration, such as detailed smoking habits and sources of Cd intake. In addition, the subjects in this study comprised ordinary pregnant Japanese women, and it was impossible to observe the relationship between a wide range of Cd exposure and placenta previa. Therefore, epidemiological and experimental studies are warranted to verify the relationship between Cd exposure and pregnancy abnormalities.
Adult
;
Cross-Sectional Studies
;
Female
;
Humans
;
Japan
;
Metals, Heavy
;
blood
;
metabolism
;
Placenta Accreta
;
metabolism
;
Placenta Previa
;
metabolism
;
Pregnancy
;
Selenium
;
blood
;
metabolism