scholarly journals Cumulative Effects of Low-Level Lead Exposure and Chronic Physiological Stress on Hepatic Dysfunction—A Preliminary Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 30
Author(s):  
Emmanuel Obeng-Gyasi

Chronic physiological stress and hepatic injury were explored in this cross-sectional study using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007–2010. Lead exposure was measured using Blood Lead Levels (BLL), which were divided into quartiles of exposure based on the distribution within the database. Allostatic load (AL), a variable representing chronic physiological stress, was operationalized using ten clinical markers. The geometric mean values for markers of liver injury of interest (a) Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), (b) Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), (c) Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), and (d) Gamma glutamyl-transferase (GGT) were explored in quartiles of lead exposure. Associations between AL and AST, ALT, ALP, and GGT among those exposed to lead were analyzed using linear regression models. In examining lead exposure in increasing quartiles, the geometric mean of the liver injury markers showed significant elevations as lead exposure levels increased. Simple linear regression revealed AL was positively associated with several markers of hepatic injury in all degrees of lead exposure. This study demonstrates the potential dangers of social and environmental exposures to liver health.

2012 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 20-26
Author(s):  
Biswajit Majumdar ◽  
Arun Kumar Sinha ◽  
Shrawan Yadav

Phytochemicals, that is, chemicals present in various plants and herbs , are now becoming important candidates for development of drugs.Wide range of medicinals plants {Plants from which potential photochemicals are isolated for development of drugs for treatment of diseases}present in South Asian countries have now been increasingly utilized for development of phytomedicines. Treatment with ethanol extract of leaf of Cajanus indicus Spreng at a dose of 50 mg /kg body weight for 20 days, after induction of hepatotoxic damage by CCl4, produce significant elevation of the hepatic injury. The liver marker enzymes like(Aspartate Transaminate) AST, GGT(Gamma Glutamyl Transferase), ALT(Alanine Transaminase) and ALP(Alkaline Phosphatase) decreased significantly at the above dose showing the optimum effect against hepatic damage. The liver antioxidant enzymes SOD, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and glutathione transferase and the membrane damaging indicators TBARS(Thiobarbituric Acis Reactive Species), conjugate diene and marker of glutathione status indicate the mechanism of healing action to be due to scavenging of free radicals or ROS. The results thus gives a confirmatory proof that the healing action of ethanol extract of leaf of Cajanus indicus Spreng is for shifting of equilibrium from the peroxidant to antioxidant side and the leaf acts as a natural antioxidant and healer of CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jonmc.v1i1.7284 Journal of Nobel Medical College Vol.1(1) 2011 20-26


2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (11) ◽  
pp. 103 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emmanuel Obeng-Gyasi

Lead and its effects on cardiovascular-related markers were explored in this cross-sectional study of young adults (18–44 years) and middle-aged adults (45–65 years) from the United States using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 2009–2016. Degrees of exposure were created using blood lead level (BLL) as the biomarker of exposure based on the epidemiologically relevant threshold of BLL > 5 μg/dL. The mean values, in addition to the percentages of people represented for the markers of interest (systolic blood pressure [SBP], diastolic blood pressure [DBP], gamma-glutamyl transferase [GGT], non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [non-HDL-C]) were explored. Among those exposed to lead, the likelihood of elevated clinical markers (as defined by clinically relevant thresholds of above normal) were examined using binary logistic regression. In exploring exposure at the 5 μg/dL levels, there were significant differences in all the mean variables of interest between young and middle-aged adults. The binary logistic regression showed young and middle-aged adults exposed to lead were significantly more likely to have elevated markers (apart from DBP). In all, lead affects cardiovascular-related markers in young and middle-aged U.S. adults and thus we must continue to monitor lead exposure to promote health.


2020 ◽  
pp. postgradmedj-2020-138930
Author(s):  
Ram Krishan Saini ◽  
Neha Saini ◽  
Sant Ram ◽  
Shiv Lal Soni ◽  
Vikas Suri ◽  
...  

BackgroundCharacteristics of laboratory findings of COVID-19 patients are of great significance for diagnosis and treatment. Studies that have analysed the variations in hepatic profile in correlation with the inflammatory markers in SARS-CoV-2 are limited.MethodsWe retrospectively analysed liver function tests and inflammatory markers of 170 admitted patients with confirmed COVID-19 in the tertiary care centre, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), India, using Roche Cobas Autoanalyzer.ResultsNumber of patients with normal liver enzyme levels were 63 (41.5%), while with raised levels of any of the liver enzymes were 89 (58.5%), out of which 43 (48.31%) had liver injury which manifested as increased severity in terms of intensive care unit (ICU) requirement (p=0.0005). Significantly raised levels of liver enzymes and liver injury were observed with age (p<0.0001) and in males (p=0.004). Significantly decreased levels of albumin and total proteins and increased levels of total bilirubin (p<0.0001) were seen in patients with abnormal liver enzyme levels and liver injury as compared to patients with normal levels. Significant increase in the levels of alanine transaminase and gamma-glutamyl transferase was seen on the 7th day, CRP and ferritin (p<0.0001) peaks were observed on 2nd and 3rd day respectively. A significant positive correlation was found between the levels of these inflammatory markers and liver function parameters.ConclusionsMore than half of patients admitted to the hospital with SARS-CoV-2 infection had an abnormal liver function which was found to be associated with raised levels of inflammatory markers. Significantly higher proportions of patients with abnormal liver function were elderly and males and were at higher risk of progressing to severe disease.


2017 ◽  
Vol 71 (10) ◽  
pp. 1005-1013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claire L Niedzwiedz ◽  
Srinivasa Vittal Katikireddi ◽  
Aaron Reeves ◽  
Martin McKee ◽  
David Stuckler

BackgroundEconomic insecurity correlates with adverse health outcomes, but the biological pathways involved are not well understood. We examine how changes in economic insecurity relate to metabolic, inflammatory and liver function biomarkers.MethodsBlood analyte data were taken from 6520 individuals (aged 25–59 years) participating in Understanding Society. Economic insecurity was measured using an indicator of subjective financial strain and by asking participants whether they had missed any bill, council tax, rent or mortgage payments in the past year. We investigated longitudinal changes in economic insecurity (remained secure, increase in economic insecurity, decrease in economic insecurity, remained insecure) and the accumulation of economic insecurity. Linear regression models were calculated for nine (logged) biomarker outcomes related to metabolic, inflammatory, liver and kidney function (as falsification tests), adjusting for potential confounders.ResultsCompared with those who remained economically stable, people who experienced consistent economic insecurity (using both measures) had worsened levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, triglycerides, C reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen and glycated haemoglobin. Increased economic insecurity was associated with adverse levels of HDL-cholesterol (0.955, 95% CI 0.929 to 0.982), triglycerides (1.077, 95% CI 1.018 to 1.139) and CRP (1.114, 95% CI 1.012 to 1.227), using the measure of financial strain. Results for the other measure were generally consistent, apart from the higher levels of gamma-glutamyl transferase observed among those experiencing persistent insecurity (1.200, 95% CI 1.110 to 1.297).ConclusionEconomic insecurity is associated with adverse metabolic and inflammatory biomarkers (particularly HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides and CRP), heightening risk for a range of health conditions.


2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. 323-334
Author(s):  
Nadya Mincheva ◽  
Mitko Lalev ◽  
Magdalena Oblakova ◽  
Pavlina Hristakieva

The prediction of chicks? weight before hatching is an important element of selection, aimed at improving the uniformity rate and productivity of birds. With this regards, our goal was to develop and evaluate optimum models for similar prediction in two White Plymouth Rock chickens lines - line L and line K on the basis of the incubation egg weight and egg geometry characteristics - egg maximum breadth (B), egg length (L), geometric mean diameter (Dg), egg volume (V), egg surface area (S). A total of 280 eggs (140 from each line) laid by 40-weekold hens were randomly selected. Mean arithmetic values, standard deviations and coefficients of variation of studied parameters were determined for each line. Correlation coefficients between the weight of hatchlings and predictors were the highest for egg weight, geometric mean diameter, volume and surface area of eggs (r=0.731-0.779 for line L; r=0.802-0.819 for line ?). Nine linear regression models were developed and their accuracy evaluated. The regression equations of hatchlings? weight vs egg length had the lowest coefficient of determination (0.175 for line K and 0.291 for line L), but when egg length and breadth entered the model together, its value increased significantly up to 0.541 and 0.665 for lines L and K, respectively. The weight of day-old chicks from line L could be predicted with higher accuracy with a model involving egg surface area apart egg weight (ChW=0.513EW+0.282S - 10.345; R2=0.620). In line ? a more accurate prognosis was attained by adding egg breadth as an additional predictor to the weight in the model (ChW=0.587EW+0.566? - 19.853; R2=0.692). The study demonstrated that multiple linear regression models were more precise that single linear models.


Author(s):  
Charles F. Opalak ◽  
Adam P. Sima ◽  
Matthew Thomas Carr ◽  
Andrew Rock ◽  
Aravind Somasundaram ◽  
...  

Abstract Background When meningiomas are small or asymptomatic, the decision to observe rather than treat requires balancing the growth potential of the lesion with the outcome and side effects of treatment. The aim of this study is to characterize the growth patterns of untreated meningiomas to better inform the clinical decision-making process. Methods Patients with meningiomas were identified from 2005 to 2015. Those without treatment who had been followed for 1.5 years, with three magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, were identified. Scans were measured with orthogonal diameters, geometric mean diameters, and volumes using the ABC/2 method. Regression modeling determined what growth pattern these parameters best approximated. Results Two hundred and fifteen MRI scans for 34 female (82.9%) and 7 male (17%) patients with 43 tumors were evaluated. Initial tumor volumes ranged from 0.13 to 9.98 mL. The mean and median initial volumes were 2.44 and 1.52 mL, respectively. Follow-up times ranged from 21 to 144 months, with a median of 70 months. There were 12 tumors (28%) whose growth rates were significantly greater than zero. For all tumors, use of a linear regression model allowed accurate prediction of the future size using prior data. Conclusion Three-quarters of presumptive meningiomas managed conservatively do not grow significantly. The remainder have significant growth over time, and the behavior could be approximated with linear regression models.


Author(s):  
Do-won Kim ◽  
Jeongwon Ock ◽  
Kyong-Whan Moon ◽  
Choong-Hee Park

Background: Exposure to lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg) has been reported to be associated with liver-related diseases. However, studies examining the association between heavy metal exposure and liver injury in a large population are scant and characterized by inconsistent results. This study aimed to evaluate the association between levels of heavy metal exposure and liver injury in the general population. Methods: Data for 2953 participants aged 19 years or more obtained from the Korean National Environmental Health Survey (KoNEHS) Cycle 3 (2015–2017) were used. The associations between levels of blood or urine heavy metals (Pb, Cd, and Hg) and liver function biomarkers [aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT)] were evaluated using multiple linear regression analysis. Results: Regarding the blood Pb (BPb), AST was higher in those of the 4th quartile, ALT was higher in those of the 2nd and 4th quartiles, and GGT was higher in those of the 3rd and 4th quartiles than in the 1st quartile. For urinary Cd (UCd), AST was higher in those of the 4th quartile; ALT was higher in those of the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th quartiles; and GGT was higher in the 4th quartile than in the 1st quartile. For the blood Hg (BHg), AST was higher in those of the 2nd and 4th quartile, ALT was higher in those of the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th quartiles; and GGT was higher in those of the 3rd and 4th quartiles than in the 1st quartile. There was no significant difference between urinary Hg (UHg) and liver function markers. Conclusion: Heavy metal exposure showed an association with liver injury among the general adult population in Korea. Further studies are required to clarify the relationship between heavy metals and liver injury.


PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. e0245236
Author(s):  
Sabrina E. Noel ◽  
David J. Cornell ◽  
Xiyuan Zhang ◽  
Julia C. Mirochnick ◽  
Josiemer Mattei ◽  
...  

Background Puerto Rican adults have higher odds of peripheral artery disease (PAD) compared with Mexican Americans. Limited studies have examined relationships between clinical risk assessment scores and ABI measures in this population. Methods Using 2004–2015 data from the Boston Puerto Rican Health Study (BPRHS) (n = 370–583), cross-sectional, 5-y change, and patterns of change in Framingham Risk Score (FRS) and allostatic load (AL) with ankle brachial index (ABI) at 5-y follow-up were assessed among Puerto Rican adults (45–75 y). FRS and AL were calculated at baseline, 2-y and 5-y follow-up. Multivariable linear regression models were used to examine cross-sectional and 5-y changes in FRS and AL with ABI at 5-y. Latent growth mixture modeling identified trajectories of FRS and AL over 5-y, and multivariable linear regression models were used to test associations between trajectory groups at 5-y. Results Greater FRS at 5-y and increases in FRS from baseline were associated with lower ABI at 5-y (β = -0.149, P = 0.010; β = -0.171, P = 0.038, respectively). AL was not associated with ABI in cross-sectional or change analyses. Participants in low-ascending (vs. no change) FRS trajectory, and participants in moderate-ascending (vs. low-ascending) AL trajectory, had lower 5-y ABI (β = -0.025, P = 0.044; β = -0.016, P = 0.023, respectively). Conclusions FRS was a better overall predictor of ABI, compared with AL. Puerto Rican adults, an understudied population with higher FRS over 5 years, may benefit from intensive risk factor modification to reduce risk of PAD. Additional research examining relationships between FRS and AL and development of PAD is warranted.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document