Role of Heavy Metals in the Incidence of Human Cancers

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vincent Salvatore Gallicchio ◽  
Juley Harper

There has been increased concern on many levels focused on the environmental and occupational exposure of heavy metals and their impact on disease, specifically the carcinogenic potential inducing cancer in humans. Because the impact of heavy metals on human health continues to be a major health concern, research continues to improve our understanding of the carcinogenic potential of these substances. Of particular concern have been human exposure to aluminum, arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, lead, mercury, nickel, and radium and their carcinogenic potential whether contact is via environmental or occupational exposure. This updated review focuses on the carcinogenic mechanisms heavy metals use to induce malignant transformation of cells as well as addressing the overall environmental and occupational hazards of heavy metal exposure.

2019 ◽  
Vol 104 (11) ◽  
pp. 5043-5052 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaojie Sun ◽  
Wenyu Liu ◽  
Bin Zhang ◽  
Xiantao Shen ◽  
Chen Hu ◽  
...  

AbstractContextMaternal thyroid hormones during pregnancy play a critical role in fetal development. However, whether maternal heavy metal exposure affects their thyroid hormones and the effects on fetal growth are still unclear.ObjectiveTo explore the effect of heavy metal exposure on maternal thyroid hormones and the potential mediation role of thyroid hormones on birth outcomes.MethodsConcentrations of heavy metals in urine samples and thyroid hormones in blood samples of 675 pregnant women were measured during early pregnancy in a cohort study conducted in China. Multivariable linear regressions were applied to explore the associations of maternal urinary heavy metal levels with both maternal thyroid hormones and birth outcomes. Mediation analyses were performed to assess the mediation role of thyroid hormones in these associations.ResultsMaternal urinary vanadium (V) exhibited an inverse association with free T3 (FT3) and FT3/free T4 (FT4) ratio levels. Urinary arsenic (As) and lead (Pb) had inverse relationships with FT3. We also observed the positive associations of maternal FT3 and FT3/FT4 ratio with birthweight. The mediation analyses suggested that 5.33% to 30.57% of the associations among V, As, and Pb levels and birth size might be mediated by maternal FT3 or FT3/FT4 ratio.ConclusionsWe have shown that maternal exposures to V, As, and Pb at early pregnancy were associated with decreased maternal FT3 or FT3/FT4 ratio, which might contribute to reduced birthweight. Mediation analyses indicated that maternal thyroid hormone was a possible mediator of the association between urinary heavy metals and birth size.


Antioxidants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 1473
Author(s):  
Andrea López-Botella ◽  
Irene Velasco ◽  
Maribel Acién ◽  
Paula Sáez-Espinosa ◽  
José-Luis Todolí-Torró ◽  
...  

Heavy metals are endocrine disruptors which interfere with processes mediated by endogenous hormones of the organism, negatively affecting endocrine functions. Some studies have correlated heavy metal exposure with male infertility. However, the number of studies conducted on humans are limited. Therefore, the aim of this study is to summarize the current knowledge on how heavy metals influence human male fertility. Hence, three distinct databases were consulted—PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science—using single keywords and combinations of them. The total number of identified articles was 636. Nevertheless, by using the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 144 articles were finally included in this work. Results display that the development of adequate instruments for heavy metal assessment may play an important function in human male fertility diagnosis and treatment. Furthermore, clinical trials could be useful to confirm the role of heavy metals in human male fertility diagnosis. Overall, further research is required to fully understand the molecular and cellular basis of the influence of environmental and occupational exposure to heavy metals on human male infertility and reproductive outcomes.


2022 ◽  
Vol 951 (1) ◽  
pp. 012044
Author(s):  
I Hananingtyas ◽  
C D Nuryanty ◽  
L Karlinasari ◽  
H S Alikodra ◽  
A Jayanegara ◽  
...  

Abstract Soil can be contaminated by the accumulation of heavy metals and metalloids through emissions from rapidly developing industrial areas. Due to the possibility of chemical change (speciation) and their bioavailability, the presence of toxic metals in the soil can greatly inhibit the biodegradation of organic contaminants. The researchers aimed to analyse the effect of heavy metal levels in agricultural soil on chlorophyll levels in agricultural crops through a meta-analysis method which is expected to provide results in the form of a summary of data that already exists in journals that have been published so far. Here we present a meta-analysis of 6 studies (56 data collected) published between 1997 and 2020 that reported the effects of heavy metal content on plant chlorophyll content. Based on the meta-analysis of the effect of heavy metal exposure in agricultural soil on the chlorophyll content of agricultural crops, the value “effect size overall” was -0.285 in the range of -0.380 to -0.190, where most of the values “effect size” were on the left. Plants growing on soil contaminated with heavy metals result in decreased growth due to changes in physiological and biochemical activities, especially when heavy metals inhibit plant growth and development. Furthermore, environmental risk assessment due to mercury exposure is very important to control the transport and accumulation of mercury in the biosphere to reduce the impact of mercury on the environment.


BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. e039541
Author(s):  
Jun Ho Ji ◽  
Mi Hyeon Jin ◽  
Jung-Hun Kang ◽  
Soon Il Lee ◽  
Suee Lee ◽  
...  

ObjectivesTo investigate the associations between heavy metal exposure and serum ferritin levels, physical measurements and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM).DesignA retrospective cohort study.SettingChangwon, the location of this study, is a Korean representative industrial city. Data were obtained from medical check-ups between 2002 and 2018.ParticipantsA total of 34 814 male subjects were included. Of them, 1035 subjects with lead exposure, 200 subjects with cadmium exposure and the 33 579 remaining were assigned to cohort A, cohort B and the control cohort, respectively. Data including personal history of alcohol and smoking, age, height, weight, the follow-up duration, haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), fasting blood sugar (FBS), ferritin levels, and lead and cadmium levels within 1 year after exposure were collected.Primary outcome measureIn subjects without diabetes, changes in FBS and HbA1c were analysed through repeated tests at intervals of 1 year or longer after the occupational exposure to heavy metals.ResultsIn Cohort A, DM was diagnosed in 33 subjects. There was a significant difference in lead concentrations between the subjects diagnosed with DM and those without DM during the follow-up period (3.94±2.92 mg/dL vs 2.81±2.03 mg/dL, p=0.002). Simple exposure to heavy metals (lead and cadmium) was not associated with DM in Cox regression models (lead exposure (HR) 1.01, 95% CI: 0.58 to 1.77, p 0.971; cadmium exposure HR 1.48, 95% CI: 0.61 to 3.55, p=0.385). Annual changes in FBS according to lead concentration at the beginning of exposure showed a positive correlation (r=0.072, p=0.032).ConclusionOur findings demonstrated that simple occupational exposure to heavy metals lead and cadmium was not associated with the incidence of DM. However, lead concentrations at the beginning of the exposure might be an indicator of DM and glucose elevations.


1994 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 241-248 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Rosso ◽  
M. Lafont ◽  
A. Exinger

The aim of this research is to describe the impact of heavy metals contaminating sediments on oligochaete communities. Sediments were collected three times (June, August, October 1991) for chemical and biological analyses in 15 sites situated in the river I11 and its tributaries (Rhine Basin, France). The sediments are characterized by high contents of heavy metals, mainly Hg, Cu, Cr, Pb, Zn from below the city of Mulhouse. The majority of sediments are heavily loaded with organic matter and organic micropollutants are also present. Oligochaete communities are rich in species. However five species only, considered as pollution-tolerant or opportunist, are significantly present and abundant. The percentages of Tubificidae without hair setae are positively related to heavy metal contents of the sediments, and the percentages of Tubificidae with hair setae are negatively related. Several species such as N. communis, N. barbata, D. digitata and Bothrioneurum sp. are considered as tolerant to heavy metals; on the contrary L. claparedeanus, L. udekemianus, Stylodrilus sp. and S. josinae are considered as intolerant. The reproductive strategy of oligochaetes in contaminated areas and the role of organic matter are discussed. Several recommendations are given for the rehabilitation of the investigated sites.


2020 ◽  
Vol 183 ◽  
pp. 109202 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyi Mar Wai ◽  
Masahiro Umezaki ◽  
Mitsutoshi Umemura ◽  
Ohn Mar ◽  
Chiho Watanabe

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vivek Kumar Gupta ◽  
Shweta Singh ◽  
Anju Agrawal ◽  
Nikhat Jamal Siddiqi ◽  
Bechan Sharma

Almost all the environmental components including both the abiotic and biotic factors have been consistently threatened by excessive contamination of heavy metals continuously released from various sources. Different heavy metals have been reported to generate adverse effects in many ways. Heavy metals induced neurotoxicity and impairment in signalling cascade leading to cell death (apoptosis) has been indicated by several workers. On one hand, these metals are required by the cellular systems to regulate various biological functions of normal cells, while on the other their biomagnification in the cellular systems produces adverse effects. The mechanism by which the heavy metals induce neurotoxicity follows free radicals production pathway(s) specially the generation of reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species. These free radicals produced in excess have been shown to create an imbalance between the oxidative and antioxidative systems leading to emergence of oxidative stress, which may cause necrosis, DNA damage, and many neurodegenerative disorders. This mini review summarizes the current knowledge available on the protective role of varied natural products isolated from different herbs/plants in imparting protection against heavy metals (cadmium, lead, arsenic, and mercury) mediated neurotoxicity.


Insects ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 1122
Author(s):  
Mirjana Beribaka ◽  
Mihailo Jelić ◽  
Marija Tanasković ◽  
Cvijeta Lazić ◽  
Marina Stamenković-Radak

Life history traits determine the persistence and reproduction of each species. Factors that can affect life history traits are numerous and can be of different origin. We investigated the influence of population origin and heavy metal exposure on microbiota diversity and two life history traits, egg-to-adult viability and developmental time, in Drosophila melanogaster and Drosophila subobscura, grown in the laboratory on a lead (II) acetate-saturated substrate. We used 24 samples, 8 larval and 16 adult samples (two species × two substrates × two populations × two sexes). The composition of microbiota was determined by sequencing (NGS) of the V3–V4 variable regions of the 16S rRNA gene. The population origin showed a significant influence on life history traits, though each trait in the two species was affected differentially. Reduced viability in D. melanogaster could be a cost of fast development, decrease in Lactobacillus abundance and the presence of Wolbachia. The heavy metal exposure in D. subobscura caused shifts in developmental time but maintained the egg-to-adult viability at a similar level. Microbiota diversity indicated that the Komagataeibacter could be a valuable member of D. subobscura microbiota in overcoming the environmental stress. Research on the impact of microbiota on the adaptive response to heavy metals and consequently the potential tradeoffs among different life history traits is of great importance in evolutionary research.


2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
T Campos ◽  
V Baert ◽  
H Hubert ◽  
E Wiel ◽  
N Benameur

Abstract Background Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is a major public health concern in France, given that there are 61.5 cases per 100,000 inhabitants a year. The impact of bystander action, performed before the arrival of emergency medical services (EMS), on survival has never been studied in France. Purpose Determine whether bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), performed before the arrival of EMS, was correlated with an increased 30-day survival rate after an OHCA. Methods 24,885 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests witnessed in France from 1 January 2012 to 1 May 2018 were analysed to determine whether CPR, performed before the arrival of EMS, was correlated with survival. Data from the Electronic Registry of Cardiac Arrests was used. The association between the effect of CPR performed before the arrival of EMS and 30-day survival rate was studied, using propensity analysis (which included variables such as age and sex of the patient, location, cause, and year of cardiac arrest, initial cardiac rhythm, EMS response time and no-flow time). Results CPR was performed before the arrival of EMS in 14,904 cases (59.9%) and was not performed in 9,981 cases (40.1%). The 30-day survival rate was 10.2% when CRP was performed by bystanders versus 3.9% when CRP was not performed before the EMS arrival (p<0.001). CPR performed by bystanders was associated with an increased 30-day survival rate (odds ratio 1.269; 1.207 to 1.334). The effect of bystander CPR on survival Conclusion Bystander CPR performed before the arrival of EMS was associated with an increased 30-day survival rate after an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in France.


2021 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Airton Cunha Martins ◽  
Alessanda Antunes Dos Santos ◽  
Ana Carolina B. Almeida Lopes ◽  
Anatoly V. Skalny ◽  
Michael Aschner ◽  
...  

: Hypertension is an important public health concern that affects millions globally, leading to a large number of morbidities and fatalities. The etiology of hypertension is complex and multifactorial, and it involves environmental factors including heavy metals. Indeed, cadmium and mercury are toxic elements commonly distributed in the environment which contribute to hypertension. We aimed to assess the role of cadmium and mercury-induced endothelial dysfunction in the development of hypertension. A narrative review was carried out through database searches. In this review, we discussed the critical roles of cadmium and mercury in the etiology of hypertension and provide new insights into potential mechanisms of their effect, focusing primarily on endothelial dysfunction. Although, the mechanisms by which cadmium and mercury induce hypertension have yet to be completely elucidated, evidence for both implicates impaired nitric oxide signaling in their hypertensive etiology.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document