Natália Brucker1, Angela Moro1, Mariele Charão1, Guilherme Bubols2, Sabrina Nascimento1, Gabriela Goethel1, Anelise Barth1, Ana C Prohmann3, Rafael Rocha3, Rafael Moresco4, Manuela Sangoi4, Bruna S Hausen4, Tatiana Saint'Pierre3, Adriana Gioda3, Marta Duarte5, Iran Castro6, Paulo H Saldiva7, Solange Cristina Garcia8. 1. Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Post-graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil. 2. Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil. 3. Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio), Department of Chemistry, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil. 4. Laboratory of Clinical Biochemistry, Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. 5. Department of Health Sciences, Lutheran University of Brazil, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. 6. Institute of Cardiology, University Cardiology Foundation, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil. 7. Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil. 8. Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Post-graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Institute of Cardiology, University Cardiology Foundation, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil. Electronic address: solange.garcia@ufrgs.br.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease is a cause of concern in public health worldwide, reinforcing the need for studies related to the identification of potential agents that contribute to the inflammation process and atherosclerosis. This study aimed to evaluate whether metals are associated with inflammatory and kidney damage and could contribute to the atherosclerosis process. METHODS: Blood metals, inflammatory markers, homocysteine, antioxidants and renal markers were measured in 42 taxi drivers and 27 controls (non-occupationally exposed). RESULTS: Taxi drivers had increased Hg, As, Pb and Cd levels, however Cu and Zn levels were decreased compared to controls (p<0.05). Hg, As and Pb levels were positively associated with pro-inflammatory cytokines, nitric oxide and negatively associated with glutathione peroxidase. Moreover, Hg, As and Pb presented positive associations with homocysteine, an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis. Regarding markers of kidney function, N-acetyl-beta-d-glucosaminidase levels were increased in taxi drivers and correlated to inflammation markers. CONCLUSION: Hg levels were found above the recommended limits in taxi drivers and both Hg and As levels showed associations with inflammatory process, oxidative status and homocysteine. Thus, chemical substances as Hg and As can be considered as additional contributors to the development of cardiovascular diseases.
BACKGROUND:Cardiovascular disease is a cause of concern in public health worldwide, reinforcing the need for studies related to the identification of potential agents that contribute to the inflammation process and atherosclerosis. This study aimed to evaluate whether metals are associated with inflammatory and kidney damage and could contribute to the atherosclerosis process. METHODS: Blood metals, inflammatory markers, homocysteine, antioxidants and renal markers were measured in 42 taxi drivers and 27 controls (non-occupationally exposed). RESULTS: Taxi drivers had increased Hg, As, Pb and Cd levels, however Cu and Zn levels were decreased compared to controls (p<0.05). Hg, As and Pb levels were positively associated with pro-inflammatory cytokines, nitric oxide and negatively associated with glutathione peroxidase. Moreover, Hg, As and Pb presented positive associations with homocysteine, an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis. Regarding markers of kidney function, N-acetyl-beta-d-glucosaminidase levels were increased in taxi drivers and correlated to inflammation markers. CONCLUSION: Hg levels were found above the recommended limits in taxi drivers and both Hg and As levels showed associations with inflammatory process, oxidative status and homocysteine. Thus, chemical substances as Hg and As can be considered as additional contributors to the development of cardiovascular diseases.
Authors: Kabindra M Shakya; Richard E Peltier; Yimin Zhang; Basu D Pandey Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2019-01-29 Impact factor: 3.390