While inorganic mercury is being gradually withdrawn from industry, environmental exposure to mercury is recognized as one of the greatest present toxicological problems. The aim of this study was to ...evaluate the effect of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) supplementation on selected cardiovascular risk factors and the urinary mercury (Hg-U) concentration in workers occupationally exposed to mercury vapor.
Overall, 38 workers of an electrolyzer hall (Hg-U: 46.6±35.7 μg/g creatinine) and a control group of 60 employees not exposed to Hg (Hg-U: 4.3±15.5 μg/g creatinine) were included in a clinical cross-over study. Clinical and laboratory tests were carried out 4 times: before and after a 3-month period of PUFAs supplementation (1000 mg daily), then after a 3-month break, and then after another 3-month period of PUFAs supplementation.
The baseline heart rate (HR) and serum triglyceride levels were higher in the Hg-exposed workers than in the controls, whereas systolic blood pressure (SBP) and cholesterol (C) levels exceeded normal values in both groups. There was a positive correlation between high-density lipoprotein 3 cholesterol (HDL
-C) and Hg-U levels. The PUFAs use was associated with a decrease in both HR and SBP. After the first stage of supplementation, a decrease in the Hg-U concentration was observed. In a multivariate logistic regression model, decreases in Hg-U were associated only with exposure to mercury; OR
= 0.562 (95% CI: 0.323-0.979), p < 0.042. After the second 3-month period of PUFAs supplementation, a significant association between HDL
-C and a Hg-U decrease was shown: OR
= 1.222 (95% CI: 1.01-1.46), p < 0.033.
In the workers exposed to mercury vapor, PUFAs supplementation led to some beneficial effects on HR and SBP. The first stage of supplementation was associated with a decrease in Hg-U in which HDL
metabolism probably plays an important role.
The aim of the study was to evaluate serum levels of the target enzyme for H2S toxicity--cytochrome c oxidase (COX) and enzymes involved in the synthesis of H2S--cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) and ...cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE) in copper mine miners.
The initial and basic study was conducted respectively in 237 and 88 miners, working in 2 mining shafts: I--no H2S emissions recorded in the last 10 years (study group A) and II--H2S emissions occurred (study group B). A medical examination was performed and 10 ml of blood was collected from miners immediately after exiting the mine.
There were no clinical or biochemical changes typical for H2S toxicity. Sulfhemoglobine was undetectable and there were no changes in the red-ox system. However, in group B, regulatory changes were found; a tendency to higher concentration of CBS and CSE, a higher activity of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) compared to group A (p<0.05) and a linear relationship between ACE and CSE (r=0.6927; p<0.001). It has been shown that cigarette smoking decreases COX (p<0.05), however, in miners working in shaft II, the decreased level of COX may result also from the presence of H2S in the gaseous emissions.
COX concentration can be a sensitive indicator of exposure to H2S. The measurements of blood H2S concentrations carried out in workplaces should explain the cause of the changes observed in the COX, CBS and CSE activity.
Background: In some epidemiological studies,
blood lipids are determined at non-fasting state, which
may impact cardiovascular risk estimation. The aim of
this study was to evaluate postprandial ...LDL-C changes in
men with newly diagnosed metabolic syndrome (MetSy).
Methods: 36 male patients were examined: 12 men with
and 24 men without MetSy. The fat tolerance test was
performed before and after a three-month hypolipidemic
treatment. Serum lipids were measured using routine
methods, lipid peroxides (LPO) colorimetrically, apoli-
poproteins A-I, B, and hsCRP immunoturbidimetrically.
Results: The postprandial increase in triglycerides was
associated with a decrease in LDL-C and a small decrease
in apo B. In men with MetSy, the mean change in LDL-C
(-19.5 ± 2.3 mg/dl) was greater than in healthy men (-5.7 ±
3.8 mg/dl). All lipid changes (ΔTG, ΔLDL-C and ΔLPO) were
linearly dependent on the postprandial non-LDL-choles-
terol. After three months of hypolipidemic treatment, in
all men with MetSy, the apoB/apoA-I ratio remained the
same as before the therapy. Conclusion: In men diagnosed
with MetSy, postprandial decreases in LDL-cholesterol
may cause underestimation of cardiovascular risk. After
three months of hypolipidemic treatment, there was only
a partial reduction in this risk, as the apoB/apoA-I ratio
remained the same.
Hypertension is the most common risk factor for stroke, coronary heart disease and heart failure, which are the leading causes of death worldwide. Dietary patterns and supplements intakes are ...becoming important factors in the hypertension. The aim of this study was to estimate the effects of new generation egg yolk phospholipids rich in lecithin (SL) esterified with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids on blood pressure in hypertensive rats (SHR). Here we have reported that lecithin (SL) derived from egg yolk lowers blood pressure in pathology of hypertension. The SHR rats treated with SL had significantly lower blood pressure than control group (157/104 vs. 178/121 mmHg; P < 0.05) and down-regulated mesenteric artery over-response to norepinephrine and potassium chloride, giving similar arterial response as for normotensive Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY). Hypertensive rats treated by SL demonstrated significantly lower serum level of inflammatory factors. This work also indicates that SL treatment lowers heart rate and reduces the serum level of oxidative stress marker - nitrotyrosine - by 30-34% in both hypertensive and normotensive animals. Phospholipids with lecithin derived from PUFA fortified eggs may be a valuable dietary supplement in prophylaxis of hypertension and in patients with hypertension, however, this requires further studies on humans.
Introduction:
Environmental arsenic contamination is a major toxicological problem worldwide due to its carcinogenic and nephrotoxic potential.
Aim:
The purpose of this observational study was to ...determine the suspected association between urinary arsenic (uAs) and urinary leucine (or leucyl) aminopeptidase 3 (uLAP3) to evaluate uLAP3 as a candidate biomarker of exposure to airborne arsenic.
Materials and Methods:
A total of 918 adults occupationally and/or environmentally exposed to airborne arsenic were enrolled in the study. Baseline information (age; sex; history of smoking; alcohol, fish and seafood consumption) was gathered. Total uAs concentrations μg/L of 918 subjects, as well as the sum of arsenic species (ΣiAs) in 259 subjects, were obtained. Urinary LAP3 was measured by an immune-enzymatic assay using an ELISA kit. Urinary creatinine concentration was assessed with the IB/lAB/1289 research protocol (version II, 2015-09-17). The values of uAs and uLAP3 were recalculated per unit of creatinine. The association between uAs and uLAP3 was assessed using a logistic regression model adjusted for confounders.
Results:
The study identified a positive correlation between the logarithm of uAs and the logarithm of uLAP3 in the study population (r = 0.1737, p < 0.0000) and between urinary creatinine and uLAP3 concentration not adjusted for creatinine level (r = 0.1871, p < 0.001). In the logistic regression model, there was also an association between increased (≥15 µg/L) uAs and decreased (below the 25th quartile) uLAP3 OR uLAP3 = 1.22 (95% CI 1.03 to 1.44, p < 0.02).
Conclusions:
These data suggest that urinary LAP3 may be a potential biomarker of arsenic exposure, which warrants further study.
Most studies on arsenic toxicity have been conducted among populations exposed to arsenic contained in drinking water. Relatively little research concerns effects of airborne arsenic. The aim of this ...study was to determine whether there is an association between urinary 15-F2t-isoprostane (u15-F2t-IsoP) levels in relation to renal function (urinary creatinine and N-acetyl-β-
d
-glucosaminidase––uNAG) and urinary arsenic (uAs) in inhabitants from copper smelter impact zone. The secondary purpose of the analysis was to assess utility of a potential association between uAs and u15-F2t-IsoP as a biomarker of systemic oxidative stress. Urinary 15-F2t-IsoP, NAG, and creatinine were measured in 967 urine samples collected from 649 adult women (51.9 ± 13.2 years old) and 318 adult men (53.8 ± 14.9 years old). Total uAs concentration was measured in 918 samples using HPLC-ICP-MS. Arsenic species, such as inorganic arsenic, methylarsonic acid, dimethylarsinic acid, and arsenobetaine, were measured in urine collected from 255 participants with uAs exceeding the upper norm. Data were analyzed using multivariate linear regression and logistic regression models. In the studied population urinary creatinine was positively associated with uAs. A positive linear correlation (
p
< 0.0000) between lg(uAs) and u15-F2t-IsoP was found both for normal and elevated uAs. A positive linear correlation was observed also between lg(ΣuAs) and u15-F2t-IsoP (
p
< 0.0000). In the logistic regression model, after adjustment for confounders, elevated uAs was the only predictor of increased u15-F2t-IsoP (OR = 1.31, 95% CI 1.08–1.59,
p
< 0.01). Cigarette smoking was associated with renal proximal tubular dysfunction only in people with uNAG concentration above 75th quartile. In the studied population chronically exposed to airborne arsenic, increase in urinary arsenic is associated with renal dysfunction and systemic oxidative stress. Urinary 15-F2t-isoprostane may be useful in the monitoring of health status in populations exposed to airborne arsenic.
The aim of the analysis was to retrospectively assess changes in lung function in copper miners depending on the type of workplace. In the groups of 225 operators, 188 welders, and 475 ...representatives of other jobs, spirometry was performed at the start of employment and subsequently after 10, 20, and 25 years of work. Spirometry Longitudinal Data Analysis software was used to estimate changes in group means for FEV1 and FVC. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to assess an association between workplace and lung function. Lung function assessed on the basis of calculation of longitudinal FEV1 (FVC) decline was similar in all studied groups. However, multiple linear regression model used in cross-sectional analysis revealed an association between workplace and lung function. In the group of welders, FEF75 was lower in comparison to operators and other miners as early as after 10 years of work. Simultaneously, in smoking welders, the FEV1/FVC ratio was lower than in nonsmokers (p < 0,05). The interactions between type of workplace and smoking (p < 0,05) in their effect on FVC, FEV1, PEF, and FEF50 were shown. Among underground working copper miners, the group of smoking welders is especially threatened by impairment of lung ventilatory function.
BACKGROUND Plasma cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) activity is often decreased in patients with hypothyroidism, whereas less is known about the phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP). We aimed ...to evaluate simultaneously serum CETP and PLTP activity in patients diagnosed with hypothyroidism. MATERIAL AND METHODS The selection criteria for control group members (without thyroid dysfunction) in this case to case study were levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglycerides similar to those in study group patients (101 patients diagnosed with hypothyroidism). Serum CETP and PLTP activities were measured by homogenous fluorometric assays using synthetic donor particle substrates. RESULTS Serum CETP and PLTP activities in hypothyreotic patients were lower (p<0.001) compared with those in healthy subjects. This lowering was associated with significant changes in HDL-C subclasses: decrease in HDL2- and increase in HDL3 cholesterol levels. Multiple linear regression analyses adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, smoking habits, and alcohol drinking showed a strong association between hypothyroidism and activity of lipid transfer proteins. A linear inverse relationship between thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and CETP (r=-0.21; p<0.01) and between TSH and PLTP (r=-0.24; p<0.001) was shown. There also was a positive correlation (p<0.001) between CETP and HDL2 cholesterol (r=0.27) and between PLTP and HDL2 cholesterol (r=0.37). A negative correlation between CETP and HDL3 cholesterol (r=-0.22: p<0.01) and between PLTP and HDL3 cholesterol (r=-0.24; p<0.001) has been demonstrated as well. CONCLUSIONS The decreased HDL2 and increased HDL3 cholesterol levels in subjects with hypothyroidism are consequences of decreased activity of lipid transfer proteins. These changes are early symptoms of lipid disturbances in hypothyroidism.
Linseed oil has cardio-protective effects. However, its antihypertensive action has not yet been well characterised.
The primary purpose of the study was to evaluate the effect of short-term dietary ...supplementation with linseed oil on blood pressure (BP) and lipid metabolism in patients with mild hypercholesterolaemia. The secondary aim was to assess the effect of linseed oil on nitric oxide pathway and selected serum trace metals.
150 volunteers: 43 men (49.9 ± 11.5 years) and 107 women (53.2 ± 10.3 years), diagnosed with mild hyper-cholesterolaemia, were assessed prospectively for BP and lipid levels, before and after lipid-lowering diet plus linseed oil supplementation at a dose of 15 mL daily for four weeks (study groups) or four-weekly lipid-lowering diet (control group). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the effect of linseed oil on BP after adjustment for age, sex, height, body weight, body mass index, smoking status, and alcohol consumption.
Supplementation with linseed oil significantly decreased low-density lipoprotein (LDL)- and non-high-density lipo-protein (HDL) cholesterol, and increased HDL- and HDL₃- cholesterol levels. Additionally, linseed oil decreased diastolic BP in men (95% confidence interval CI: -6.0 to -1.1, p < 0.006), whereas in women linseed oil reduced (p < 0.001) systolic BP (-3.6 mmHg; 95% CI: -5.8 to -1.5) as well as diastolic BP (-4 mmHg; 95% CI: -5.8 to -2.1). Women with higher BP displayed an increase in serum L-arginine level (p < 0.01). In the logistic regression model oil consumption was associated with a decrease in mean BP (adjusted odds ratio 3.85; 95% CI 1.32-11.33).
Our findings confirm the benefit of short-term linseed oil use in mild hypercholesterolaemia, particularly in patients with increased blood pressure.
Some dietary factors could inhibit lead toxicity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of dietary compounds rich in unsaturated fatty acids (FA) on blood lead level, lipid metabolism, and ...vascular reactivity in rats. Serum metallothionein and organs’ lead level were evaluated with the aim of assessing the possible mechanism of unsaturated FA impact on blood lead level. For three months, male Wistar rats that were receiving drinking water with (100 ppm Pb) or without lead acetate were supplemented per os daily with virgin olive oil or linseed oil (0.2 mL/kg b.w.) or egg derived lecithin fraction: “super lecithin” (50 g/kg b.w.). Mesenteric artery was stimulated ex vivo by norepinephrine (NE) administered at six different doses. Lecithin supplementation slightly reduced pressor responses of artery to NE. Lead administered to rats attenuated the beneficial effect of unsaturated FA on lipid metabolism and vascular reactivity to adrenergic stimulation. On the other hand, the super lecithin and linseed oil that were characterized by low omega-6 to omega-3 ratio (about 1) reduced the blood lead concentration. This effect was observed in lead poisoned rats (p<0.0001) and also in rats nonpoisoned with lead (p<0.05).
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