Effect of lead,calcium, iron,zinc, copper and magnesium on anemia in children with BLLs ≥ 100 μg/L

ObjectiveAdverse effects of lead exposure on children's health have been demonstrated. While studies have examined the relationship between iron status and low-level lead exposure in children with blood lead levels (BLLs) < 100 μg/L, few have investigated the association between blood lead and other trace elements and anemia in children with BLLs ≥ 100 μg/L. This study aimed to assess the levels of lead, iron, copper, zinc, magnesium, and calcium in children aged 0–14 with BLLs≥ 100 μg/L between 2009 and 2021, and to examine the relationship between blood lead, trace elements and anemia.MethodsA total of 11,541 children with BLLs ≥ 100 μg/L were included in this study. Venous blood samples were collected to measure blood lead levels, hemoglobin levels, and trace element levels. According to the World Health Organization standard, outpatients with hemoglobin levels < 110 g / L were defined as having anemia.ResultsThe study results found that high BLLs and blood calcium had a negative influence on Hb with odds ratios (95% confidence interval) of 1.411(1.208, 1.649) and 1.219(1.043, 1.424). High blood iron had a positive influence on Hb with odds ratios of 0.421(0.355, 0.499).ConclusionThe results suggest that the risk of anemia rose significantly with higher BLLs, blood copper, and blood calcium levels, and decreases considerably with higher blood iron levels.     

The blood lead levels of outpatients aged 1–18 years from Lu’an,China, 2012–2014

To evaluate blood lead levels (BLLs) and possible influencing factors among children and adolescents in Lu’an, we collected blood samples of 3266 outpatients aged 1–18 years from January 2012 to December 2014 and BLLs were determined by atomizer absorption spectrophotometer. The results showed that the geometric mean (GM) of BLLs was 29.53 μg/L (95% CI: 29.00–30.06 μg/L) and the prevalence of BLLs ≥50 and 100 μg/L were 17.7% and 0.2%, respectively. The GM BLLs and prevalence of BLLs ≥50 μg/L were increased with age before 7 years old and then slightly decreased, and, contrary to previous studies, they were the highest at Jan–Feb and the lowest at Sep–Oct. From 2012 to 2014, the GM BLLs were significantly increased (P < 0.001) while the prevalence of BLLs ≥50 μg/L was decreased but with no significant difference (P > 0.05). These results suggested that although the BLLs of Lu’an children were lower than most areas of China and several neighboring cities as previously reported, they were still higher than that of developed countries. Meanwhile, the GM BLLs of children and adolescents from Lu’an have a trend of increase in recent years. A lot of future works need to be done to identify the risk factors for lead exposure.     

Association of lead and cadmium exposure with kidney stone incidence: A study on the non-occupational population in Nandan of China

BackgroundEnvironmental lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) pollution has been considered a risk factor in the etiology of kidney stones. However, the association between Pb and Cd exposure and kidney stone incidence has yet to be determined.ObjectivesThis study aimed to determine a possible the association between kidney stones with Pb and Cd exposure (alone or combined) in a non-occupational population.MethodsPb and Cd contaminations in soil-plant system were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Health risk assessment of dietary Pb or Cd intake from rice and vegetables were calculated. Kidney stones were diagnosed with urinary tract ultrasonography. Urinary cadmium (UCd) and blood lead (BPb) levels were determined by graphite-furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. Multivariate logistic regression models were constructed.ResultsThe hazard indexes (HI) of Pb and Cd were 7.91 and 7.31. The odds ratio (OR) was 2.83 (95 %CI:1.38−5.77) in males with high BPb (BPb ≥ 100 μg/L), compared with those with low BPb (BPb＜100 μg/L). Compared to those with low BPb and low UCd (BPb＜100 μg/L and UCd＜2 μg/g creatinine), the ORs were 2.58 (95 % CI:1.17−5.70) and 3.43 (95 % CI:1.21−9.16) in females and males with high BPb and high UCd (BPb ≥100 μg/L and UCd ≥2 μg/g creatinine), respectively. The OR was 3.16 (95 % CI:1.26−7.88) in males with high BPb and low UCd (BPb ≥ 100 μg/L and UCd ＜2 μg/g creatinine), compared to those with low BPb and low UCd.ConclusionsKidney stones incidence was increased by high Pb exposure in males, and by Pb and Cd co-exposure in males and females.     

Association of Blood Lead Levels with Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase Polymorphisms among Chinese Pregnant Women in Wuhan City

BackgroundPregnancy is an important stimulus of bone lead release. Elevated blood lead levels (BLLs) may cause adverse pregnancy outcomes for mothers and harmful lead effects on fetuses. However, the reports about maternal BLL changes during pregnancy are conflicting to some extent. This article is to explore the variations in BLLs among pregnant women. The relationships of BLLs with methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene C677T, A1298C, and G1793A polymorphisms, which are associated with bone resorption, were also studied. A total of 973 women, including 234, 249, and 248 women in their first, second, and third trimesters, respectively, and 242 non-pregnant women, were recruited at the Wuhan Women and Children Medical Health Center.MethodsBLLs were determined using a graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometer. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms of MTHFR were identified with the TaqMan probe method.ResultsThe geometric mean (geometric standard deviation) of BLLs was 16.2 (1.78) μg/L for all participants. All the studied MTHFR alleles were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Multiple-linear regression analysis revealed the following results. Among the pregnant women, those that carried MTHFR 677CC (i.e. wild-genotype homozygote) and 1298CC (i.e. mutant-genotype homozygote) exhibited higher BLLs than those that carried 677CT/TT (standardized β = 0.074, P = 0.042) and 1298AC/AA (standardized β = 0.077, P = 0.035) when other covariates (e.g., age, no. of children, education and income, etc.) were adjusted. The BLLs of pregnant women consistently decreased during the pregnancy and these levels positively correlated with BMI (standard β = 0.086–0.096, P<0.05).ConclusionsThe 1298CC mutant-type homozygote in the MTHFR gene is a risk factor for high BLLs among low-level environmental lead-exposed Chinese pregnant women, whose BLLs consistently decreased during gestation.     

Low-level environmental lead and cadmium exposures and dyslipidemia in adults: Findings from the NHANES 2005–2016

BackgroundPrevious experimental and occupational health studies have shown the toxic effects of relatively high-level cadmium and lead on lipid metabolism. However, limited studies investigated the relationships between serum lipid levels and exposure to low-level lead and cadmium in adults.ObjectiveTo investigate the associations between lead and cadmium levels in blood and dyslipidemia in adults.MethodsA retrospective cross-sectional study of 7,457 adults aged 20–79 years who were recruited in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, 2005–2016) was conducted. Multivariate linear and logistic regressions were used to examine the associations of blood lead and cadmium levels with serum lipid profiles and risk of dyslipidemia, respectively.ResultsThe weighted geometric means [95% confidence intervals (CIs)] of lead and cadmium in blood were 1.23 (1.21, 1.25) μg/dL and 0.36 (0.35, 0.37) μg/L, respectively. Blood lead was significantly associated with serum total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C), and apolipoprotein B (Apo B) levels after adjusting for covariates. Compared with the adults in the lowest blood lead quartile (≤0.76 μg/dL), those in the highest lead quartile (>1.90 μg/dL) had higher risks of elevated TC (OR = 1.88, 95% CI: 1.59–2.22), non-HDL-C (OR = 1.59, 95% CI: 1.33–1.91), LDL-C (OR = 1.68, 95% CI: 1.41–1.99) and Apo B (OR = 2.00, 95% CI: 1.46–2.73). However, the single effect of cadmium exposure and the joint effect of lead and cadmium exposures on dyslipidemia were not observed.ConclusionBlood lead well below the current recommended level was positively associated with the risk of dyslipidemia in adults, while the low-level cadmium exposure currently observed in adults did not show any significant associations with lipid levels.     

Iron Deficiency,a Risk Factor for Thyroid Autoimmunity During Second Trimester of Pregnancy in China

ObjectivePrevious studies have reported an association between iron deficiency (ID) and increased thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPO-Ab) during early pregnancy. The objective of this study was to explore the relationship between ID and thyroid dysfunction, as well as thyroid autoantibodies, during the second trimester of pregnancy.MethodsA total of 1,592 pregnant women (13 to 28 weeks gestation) were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. According to serum ferritin (SF) concentrations, they were divided into ID (SF <20 μg/L) or non-ID (SF ≥20 μg/L) groups. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between ID and subclinical hypothyroidism (thyroid-stimulating hormone [TSH] >4.0 mIU/L and free thyroxine [FT4] within the reference range) and thyroid autoimmunity.ResultsThe prevalence of ID was 23.43% (373/1,592). Compared with the non-ID group, the ID group had lower FT4 levels (13.94 pmol/L [8.91 to 29.82 pmol/L] versus 14.63 pmol/L [8.22 to 47.24 pmol/L]; P<.001]) and higher TSH levels (1.85 mIU/L [0.01 to 7.84 mIU/L] versus 1.69 mIU/L [0.01 to 10.2 mIU/L]; P<.05). Logistic regression analysis confirmed ID as a risk factor for increased thyroglobulin antibody (TG-Ab) (odds ratio 1.974; 95% confidence interval 1.065, 3.657; P<.05), but not for subclinical hypothyroidism or increased TPO-Ab.ConclusionID is associated with increased TG-Ab during the second trimester of pregnancy.     

Effect of nickel on red blood cell parameters and on serum vitamin B12, folate and homocysteine concentrations during pregnancy with and without anemia

BackgroundResearch to date suggests that nickel affects not only the metabolism of vitamin B12 but also folates and thus may affect hematopoiesis processes.ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to examine the relationship of nickel (Ni) status to red blood cell (RBC) parameters and serum vitamin B12, folate and homocysteine concentrations in the course of normal pregnancy and in pregnant women with anemia.MethodsThe study included fifty-three pregnant women recruited to the study from the Lower Silesia region of Poland, 17 % of whom developed anemia. Nickel concentration was determined in urine, whole blood and food samples by atomic absorption spectrometry. At the same time as the food and urine samples were taken, blood was also collected for the determination of RBC parameters and serum vitamin B12, homocysteine and folate concentrations.ResultsThe median reported Ni intake, and the urinary and whole blood nickel contents for the studied pregnant women for the first trimester were respectively – 162.46 μg/day, 3.98 μg/L and 3.32 μg/L; for the second trimester – 110.48 μg/day, 6.86 μg/L and 1.04 μg/L; and for the third trimester – 132.20 μg/day, 3.41 μg/L and 0.70 μg/L. With regard to Ni concentration in whole blood (p = 0.0204) and in urine (p = 0.0003), the differences in the values for individual trimesters were statistically significant. The whole blood Ni level was significantly higher (9.28 vs 3.62 μg/L, p = 0.0114), while the concentration of homosysteine was significantly lower (4.09 vs 5.04 μmol/L, p = 0.0165) in pregnant women with anemia compared to those without anemia. The whole blood Ni concentration was negatively correlated with almost all RBC parameters in non-anemic pregnant women.ConclusionsNi status changes with the development of normal pregnancy, and in the case of anemia, an increase in Ni concentration in whole blood is observed. The demonstrated correlations between the Ni status in pregnant women and RBC parameters as well as serum vitamin B12 and folate concentrations suggest that nickel is associated with the methionine–folate cycle, iron homeostasis and bacterial synthesis of vitamin B12 in humans.     

Associations between periconceptional alcohol consumption and craniosynostosis, omphalocele, and gastroschisis

BACKGROUND: Alcohol consumption during pregnancy is known to be associated with certain birth defects, but the risk of other birth defects is less certain. The authors examined associations between maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy and craniosynostosis, omphalocele, and gastroschisis among participants in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study, a large, multicenter case–control study. METHODS: A total of 6622 control infants and 1768 infants with birth defects delivered from 1997–2005 were included in the present analysis. Maternal alcohol consumption was assessed as any periconceptional consumption (1 month prepregnancy through the third pregnancy month), and by quantity‐frequency, duration, and beverage type. Alcohol consumption throughout pregnancy was explored for craniosynostosis since the period of development may extend beyond the first trimester. Adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using unconditional logistic regression analysis. OR were adjusted for age, race/ethnicity, and state of residence at time of infant's birth. Gastroschisis OR were also adjusted for periconceptional smoking. RESULTS: Periconceptional alcohol consumption and craniosynostosis showed little evidence of an association (OR = 0.92; CI: 0.78–1.08), but alcohol consumption in the second (OR = 0.65; CI: 0.47–0.92) and third trimesters (OR = 0.68; CI: 0.49–0.95) was inversely associated with craniosynostosis. Periconceptional alcohol consumption was associated with omphalocele (OR = 1.50; CI: 1.15–1.96) and gastroschisis (OR = 1.40; CI: 1.17–1.67). CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that maternal periconceptional alcohol consumption is associated with omphalocele and gastroschisis, and second and third trimester alcohol consumption are inversely associated with craniosynostosis. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Association of newborn blood lead concentration with neurodevelopment outcome in early infancy

BackgroundIn utero exposure to toxic metal substances can cause severe neurodevelopmental deficits in developing fetus and infant.MethodsWe evaluated the association of newborn umbilical cord blood lead concentration with early neurodevelopmental performance (cognitive, receptive language, expressive language, fine motor, gross motor and social-emotional development). The Bayley Scale of Infants Developments-III (BSID-III) was used to perform neurodevelopment outcomes at an average age of 6.5 months. In this prospective study, total of 167 mother-child pairs were enrolled from Western Rajasthan, India. Association between risk factors of lead contamination and newborn umbilical cord blood lead levels was observed. Multivariate regression was performed to see the association of cord blood lead level with infant neurodevelopment outcome.ResultsThe obtained newborn umbilical cord blood lead concentration 5.0–10.5 μg/dL was negatively associated with the sub-scale score of gross motor development (β-coefficient with 95 % CI; −0.29 (−5.0–0.11), p = 0.04). However, no associations were found with the score of cognitive, language, gross motor, and social-emotional development. The umbilical cord blood lead concentration <5.0 μg/dL was also not associated with the BSID-III scores. The mother's regular intake of calcium supplements during the antenatal period was significantly associated with a lower umbilical cord blood lead level (p-value 0.031).ConclusionThe data suggest that newborn umbilical cord blood lead concentration 0.5–10.5 μg/dL has a negative association with early gross motor development during infancy.     

Maternal urinary cadmium concentrations in early pregnancy in relation to prenatal and postpartum size of offspring

BackgroundThe impacts of environmental cadmium (Cd) exposure on birth size parameters including weight, length and head circumference (HC) have been reported in multiple studies. However, little remains known of the impacts of maternal Cd exposure during pregnancy on size during in utero development and during early childhood. The aim of this study was to comprehensively investigate impacts of maternal Cd exposure during pregnancy on the size of offspring in utero (from 24 weeks pregnancy) until six months of age.MethodsPregnant mothers were recruited as part of an ongoing prospective birth cohort study based in Guangdong, China. Maternal urine samples were collected in the first and third trimesters of pregnancy, in which Cd concentrations were measured by inductively couple plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS). In utero size indicators at 24 and 32 week of gestation, including biparietal diameter (BPD), abdominal circumference (AC), femur length (FL) and HC were derived from ultrasound examinations. Anthropometric measures of weight, height and HC at birth and one, three and six months of age were also collected. Associations of size measures at the various time points with maternal urinary Cd concentrations were assessed using linear regression models.ResultsThe median urinary Cd concentration was 1.00 and 0.98 μg/g creatinine in the first and third trimesters respectively. In univariate analysis, increased maternal Cd levels in the first trimester were associated with decreased HC (-0.17 cm/ug/g urinary Cd) at birth, and the association was particularly pronounced among males (-0.30 cm/ug/g urinary Cd). First trimester Cd exposure was also found to be significantly associated with decreased infant weight at three and six months of age among girls (−101 g/ug/g and −97 g/ug/g urinary Cd, respectively). Associations of similar magnitude were observed after adjustment for various maternal factors. No significant associations were observed with infant size measures or with measures of Cd in the third trimester.ConclusionsOur detailed study suggests that the first trimester is particularly critical window of susceptibility to sex-specific effects of Cd on size parameters at birth, with some effects persisting to six months of age. These compelling sex-dependent effects on HC and body weight warrant future studies examining longer-term health effects of pregnancy-related Cd exposures.     

Effect of the inflammatory response on serum indices of iron status in late pregnancy

Background and aimsA systemic inflammatory response complicates the evaluation of iron status during pregnancy. We investigated the magnitude of this effect on indices of iron status in late pregnancy.MethodsWe retrospectively interrogated laboratory data and hospitalisation records from April 2016 to March 2017 and obtained results from pregnant women in which serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) or albumin had been examined together with indicators of iron status (serum ferritin [SF] and serum transferrin [ST], n = 11,571). We assessed the association of the inflammatory response, as evidenced by hsCRP and albumin, with iron status indicators by general linear regression analysis.ResultCompared to women with an hsCRP of ≤ 5 mg/L, the median SF level in those with an hsCRP of 6–10, 11–20, and > 20 mg/L significantly increased by 2.24 μg/L (95 % confidence interval [CI]: 1.22, 3.26), 4.04 μg/L (95 % CI: 2.05, 6.04), and 13.49 μg/L (95 % CI: 10.44, 16.53); while the ST level decreased by 0.10 g/L (95 % CI: 0.13, 0.06), 0.16 g/L (95 % CI: 0.23, 0.09), and 0.21 g/L (95 % CI: 0.32, 0.11), respectively (all P < 0.001). With regard to the association of inflammation with SF and ST, no significant interaction between albumin (< 35 and ≥ 35 g/L) and hsCRP was observed (SF: P for interaction = 0.426; ST: P for interaction = 0.872).ConclusionsMeasurement of hsCRP in late pregnancy is necessary to correct the levels of SF and ST. The impact of the inflammatory response on indices of iron status in late pregnancy could not be adjusted by albumin.     

Maternal exposure to ambient air temperature during pregnancy and early childhood pneumonia

BackgroundPneumonia has been widely recognized as the leading cause of death in children worldwide, but its etiology still remains unclear.ObjectiveWe examined the association between maternal exposure to ambient air temperature during pregnancy and lifetime pneumonia in the offspring.MethodsWe conducted a cohort study of 2598 preschool children aged 3–6 years in Changsha, China. The lifetime prevalence of pneumonia was assessed using questionnaire. We backwards estimated each child's exposure to air temperature during prenatal and postnatal periods. Multiple regression model was used to examine the association between childhood pneumonia and exposure to air temperature in terms of odd ratios (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).ResultsPrevalence of childhood pneumonia in Changsha was high up to 38.6%. We found that childhood pneumonia was significantly associated with prenatal exposure to air temperature, with adjusted OR (95% CI) = 1.77 (1.23–2.54) for an interquartile range (IQR) increase in temperature, particularly during the second trimester with adjusted OR (95% CI) = 2.26 (1.32–3.89). Boys are more susceptible to the risk of pneumonia due to air temperature than girls. We further observed that maternal exposure to extreme heat days during pregnancy increased the risk of pneumonia in the offspring.ConclusionsMaternal exposure to air temperature during pregnancy, particularly the second trimester, was associated with pneumonia in the children, providing the evidence for fetal origins of pneumonia.     

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone-Independent Cushing Syndrome Manifesting During Pregnancy

ObjectiveTo report a case of adrenocorticotropic hormone-independent Cushing syndrome(CS) diagnosed and treated surgically during the third trimester of pregnancy and resulting in delivery of a healthy baby boy.MethodsWe present a detailed case report, and we review and evaluate the English-language literature on CS during pregnancy.ResultsDuring pregnancy, the occurrence of CS is a rare event. The diagnosis of CS during pregnancy is difficult to establish because of the normal physiologic hypercortisolemia of pregnancy. In our patient, laboratory testing revealed a random serum cortisol level of 56.5 μg/dL, a suppressed plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone level (< 5 pg/mL), and a substantially elevated 24-hour urinary cortisol (1,708 μg). Noncontrast magnetic resonance imaging of the abdomen disclosed a 3.5-cm left adrenal mass. Laparoscopic left adrenalectomy was successfully performed during the early third trimester, and a healthy baby was born at 36 weeks of gestation by means of a cesarean delivery.ConclusionThe occurrence of CS during pregnancy is rare; however, when it does occur, adrenal tumors are more common than pituitary tumors. Caution should be used during interpretation of laboratory tests to evaluate for CS during pregnancy because of the normal increase in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function during pregnancy. The current case demonstrates the safety and utility of noncontrast magnetic resonance imaging for localization of a tumor during pregnancy, as well as the safe use of laparoscopic surgical treatment of CS during the early third trimester. (Endocr Pract. 2010;16:260-263)     

Colder-to-warmer changes in children's blood lead concentrations are related to previous blood lead status: Results from a systematic review of prospective studies

ObjectiveTo estimate the extent of changes in mean BLLs from colder to warmer months, in children aged 1–5 years with different status of lead in colder months.MethodologyWe performed a systematic review using an in-house algorithm developed in MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and CINHAL. Search was performed between November 2012 and July 2013, and data evaluation and extraction were subsequently conducted. The mean BLLs observed in the warmer months was divided by the one observed in the colder months to obtain the warmer-to-colder ratio (WCR). Study-specific WCRs were pooled using the fixed-effects method of Mantel–Haenszel to estimate the combined WCR.ResultsFrom 4040 papers initially identified, eight cohort studies were considered relevant for inclusion. The combined WCR was inversely related to the BLLs observed during colder months. The values were 1.25 (95% CI: 0.90–1.60), 1.06 (95% CI: 0.92–1.19), and 0.95 (95% CI: 0.51–1.39) for children showing baseline BLLs of <10 μg dL⁻¹, 10–20 μg dL⁻¹and ≥20 μg dL⁻¹, respectively. The combined WCR was influenced neither by children's age nor place/date of study.ConclusionThe extent of the summer increase in BLLs depends on the BLLs in the colder months.     

An Investigation of Outpatient Children's Blood Lead Level in Wuhan China

Objective

Blood lead levels (BLLs) and possible influencing factors in children in Wuhan China were investigated in order to understand current lead pollution exposure and provide a scientific basis for prevention and policy making.

Materials and Methods

BLL data were collected from 15,536 out-patients in Wuhan Children Hospital in 2012 full year. All of them were under 18 years of age (Mean ± SD: 4.32±3.2, 64.4% boys). The BLLs were measured by an atomic absorption spectrometry (BH2100).

Results

The geometric mean of BLLs for all the subjects was 44.75 µg/L (95%CI: 44.46 µg/L – 45.05 µg/L), much lower than that reported in previous studies. The prevalence of the elevated BLLs (≥ 100 µg/L) in the children tested was 2% in 2012 and the prevalence of BLLs (≥ 50 µg/L) was 44%. Age and sex could be possible influencing factors for BLLs in the children (p<0.001). In addition, the BLLs in different seasons were different (p<0.001).

Conclusions

These results demonstrate that BLLs have significantly decreased in children in Wuhan during recent years. However, we should continuously pay attention to lead pollution and emphasize that prevention is much more important than treatment for controlling children''s BLLs.     

Iodine status of Turkish pregnant women and their offspring: A national cross-sectional survey

BackgroundThis national cross-sectional survey aimed to assess the iodine status in pregnant women and their offspring, and also to demonstrate regional differences by measuring urinary iodine concentration (UIC). For each woman and her newborn a questionnaire was prepared with basic facts as age, parity number or birth weight and additional information regarding thyroid diseases, use of iodized salt in the household, extra iodine supplementation during pregnancy, education level and wage income.MethodsThe target population represented 1444 pregnant women who gave birth between January 1 st, 2018 and 2019, and their offspring. Iodine deficiency for pregnant women and their offspring were defined as urine iodine level <150 μg/L and <100 μg/L, respectively. Results are given as median (25th–75th percentile).ResultsThe median UIC in the group of pregnant woman was 94 (52–153) μg/L. Within the sample of 1444 pregnant women, UIC indicative of mild iodine deficiency (100−149 μg/L) was present in 21 % (n = 306), moderate deficiency (50−99 μg/L) in 30 % (n = 430), and severe deficiency (<50 μg/L) in 23 % (n = 337). This study showed a prevalence of 74 % of iodine deficiency in Turkish pregnant woman. The median UIC in the group of offspring was 96 (41−191) μg/L. Within the new-borns, UIC indicative of mild iodine deficiency (50−99 μg/L) was present in 22 % (n = 323), moderate deficiency (20−49 μg/L) in 15 % (n = 222), and severe deficiency (<20 μg/L) in 13 % (n = 192). This survey showed a prevalence of 51 % of iodine deficiency in Turkish new-borns. Pregnant women with lower socioeconomic and education level, lower access to household iodized salt, lower rates of exposure to povidone-iodine containing skin disinfectant, higher parity and higher iodine deficiency had higher rates of iodine deficiency in their offspring. Regional differences were observed both in mothers and their offspring concerning their iodine status.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that iodine deficiency is still an important public health problem in Turkey. More drastic measures should be taken to decrease these important iodine deficiencies, both in pregnant women and in their offspring.     

Blood Lead Levels During Different Trimesters of Pregnancy and the Possible Influencing Factors in Chengdu, China

Lead is a toxic element. It can damage multiple human organs and systems. In present study, we detected the blood lead levels (BLLs) during the whole pregnancy period and 6-12th weeks after delivery and analyzed their influencing factors by healthy pregnant women. We recruited 128 healthy pregnant women absent of pregnancy or obstetric complications or abnormal pregnancy outcomes as the gravida group. The control group consisted of 120 healthy non-pregnant women. The lead concentrations of all the three pregnancy trimesters and postpartum were: 5.95?±?2.27, 5.51?±?1.93, 5.57?±?1.85, and 6.88?±?1.90?μg/dl; and the mean lead concentration of control group was 6.87?±?2.29?μg/dl. We found that the BLLs of the gravida group were lower than that of control group during all three trimesters and occupations, supplement nutrition elements, and time of house painted could affect blood lead levels of pregnant women. Lead-related occupations, using cosmetics, and living in a house painted <1?year are risk factors of high BLLs among pregnant women, while calcium, iron, zinc, and milk supplements are protective factors. These may help people especially pregnant women to reduce lead exposure via supplement of calcium, iron, zinc, and milk or avoiding contacting above risk factors.     

Association of blood lead levels with neurobehavior and BDNF expression in school going children

BackgroundChildhood Lead (Pb) toxicity has been an ongoing concern for decades; however, its underlying pathogenesis remains unclear. Although its prevalence has come down in developed countries (USA, Europe); it is relatively high in low to middle-income countries of South-East Asia. The current study aimed to evaluate the association of blood lead levels (BLLs) with neurobehavioral alterations and changes in Brain-Derived Neurotropic Factor (BDNF) expression in Indian school children.MethodologySchool going children in age group of 9–15 years (N = 72) were included in the study. Neurobehavioral changes were assessed using Childhood Psychopathological Measurement Schedule (CPMS) and BLL were measured by Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (GFAAS). BDNF mRNA expression and serum BDNF levels were assessed by Real-Time PCR and ELISA, respectively.ResultsMedian BLL was 4.95 μg/dL (IQR = 4.47), very close to the recommended toxic cut off levels (<5 μg/dL). BLLs had a direct correlation with both CPMS scores and BDNF expression. Depression was found to be significantly higher in boys than in girls with high BLLs. BDNF mRNA expression and serum BDNF levels were higher among children with high BLL, although not to significant levels.ConclusionWe report a significant association of neurobehavioral changes with the prevalence of high Pb levels in Indian children. Additionally significant correlation of BDNF with BLL in these children suggests a causal role of BDNF in Pb induced neurological damage.     

Habitual fish consumption does not prevent a decrease in LCPUFA status in pregnant women (the Seychelles Child Development Nutrition Study)

Information on the status of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) in pregnancy and breast milk in very high fish-eating populations is limited. The aim of this study was to examine dietary intake and changes in fatty acid status in a population of pregnant women in the Republic of Seychelles. Serum docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) decreased significantly between 28-week gestation and delivery (n=196). DHA status did not correlate significantly with length of gestation and was not associated with self-reported fish intake, which was high at 527 g/week. In breast milk, the ratio of DHA to arachidonic acid (AA) was consistent with those observed in other high fish-eating populations. Overall the data suggest that high exposure to LCPUFAs from habitual fish consumption does not prevent the documented decrease in LCPUFA status in pregnancy that occurs as a result of foetal accretion in the third trimester of pregnancy.     

Prenatal exposure to diurnal temperature variation and early childhood pneumonia

BackgroundChildhood pneumonia is one of the leading single causes of mortality and morbidity in children worldwide, but its etiology still remains unclear.ObjectiveWe investigate the association between childhood pneumonia and exposure to diurnal temperature variation (DTV) in different timing windows.MethodsWe conducted a prospective cohort study of 2,598 children aged 3–6 years in Changsha, China. The lifetime prevalence of pneumonia was assessed by a questionnaire administered by the parents. Individual exposure to DTV during both prenatal and postnatal periods was estimated. Logic regression models was used to examine the association between childhood pneumonia and DTV exposure in terms of odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).ResultsLifetime prevalence of childhood pneumonia in preschool children in Changsha was high up to 38.6%. We found that childhood pneumonia was significantly associated with prenatal DTV exposure, with adjusted OR (95%CI) =1.19 (1.02–1.38), particularly during the second trimester. However, childhood pneumonia not associated with postnatal DTV exposure. Sensitivity analysis indicated that boys are more susceptible to the pneumonia risk of diurnal temperature variation than girls. We further observed that the prevalence of childhood pneumonia was decreased in recent years as DTV shrinked.ConclusionsEarly childhood pneumonia was associated with prenatal exposure to the diurnal temperature variation (DTV) during pregnancy, particularly in the second trimester, which suggests fetal origin of childhood pneumonia.