Carotid Intima-Media Thickness and Plasma Asymmetric Dimethylarginine in Mexican Children Exposed to Inorganic Arsenic

Background: Arsenic exposure is a risk factor for atherosclerosis in adults, but there is little information on arsenic and early risk biomarkers for atherosclerosis in children. Carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) is an indicator of subclinical atherosclerotic burden that has been associated with plasma asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), a predictor of cardiovascular disease risk.Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate associations of arsenic exposure with cIMT, ADMA, and endothelial adhesion molecules [soluble intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1); soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1)] in children who had been exposed to environmental inorganic arsenic (iAs).Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study in 199 children 3–14 years of age who were residents of Zimapan, México. We evaluated cIMT using ultrasonography, and plasma lipid profiles by standard methods. We analyzed ADMA, sICAM-1, and sVCAM-1 by ELISA, and measured the concentrations of total speciated arsenic (tAs) in urine using hydride generation cryotrapping atomic absorption spectrometry.Results: In the multiple linear regression model for cIMT, tAs categories were positively associated with cIMT increase. The estimated cIMT diameter was greater in 35- to 70-ng/mL and > 70-ng/mL groups (0.035 mm and 0.058 mm per 1-ng/mL increase in urinary tAs, respectively), compared with the < 35-ng/mL group. In addition to tAs level, plasma ADMA was a significant predictor of cIMT. In the adjusted regression model, cIMT, percent iAs, and plasma sVCAM-1 were significant predictors of ADMA levels (e.g., 0.419-μmol/L increase in ADMA per 1-mm increase in cIMT).Conclusions: Arsenic exposure and plasma ADMA levels were positively associated with cIMT in a population of Mexican children with environmental arsenic exposure through drinking water.Citation: Osorio-Yáñez C, Ayllon-Vergara JC, Aguilar-Madrid G, Arreola-Mendoza L, Hernández-Castellanos E, Barrera-Hernández A, De Vizcaya-Ruíz A, Del Razo LM. 2013. Carotid intima-media thickness and plasma asymmetric dimethylarginine in Mexican children exposed to inorganic arsenic. Environ Health Perspect 121:1090–1096; http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/ehp.1205994     

实时三平面组织多普勒成像在肥胖儿童左心收缩功能评价中的应用

目的实时三平面组织多普勒成像技术研究轻、中度单纯肥胖儿童左心收缩功能,为加强对肥胖儿童的干预提供依据。方法实时三平面组织多普勒成像技术和M型超声测量36名轻、中度肥胖儿童和34名正常儿童左室收缩功能。结果肥胖组各室壁二尖瓣环处和大部分室壁的基底部、中间部收缩期峰值速度和最大位移均低于正常组,6个室壁各节段的平均收缩期峰值速度和最大位移2组间差异有统计学意义。结论轻、中度单纯肥胖儿童左室整体和部分室壁局部收缩功能减低。     

Neurobehavioral Deficits and Increased Blood Pressure in School-Age Children Prenatally Exposed to Pesticides

Background

The long-term neurotoxicity risks caused by prenatal exposures to pesticides are unclear, but a previous pilot study of Ecuadorian school children suggested that blood pressure and visuospatial processing may be vulnerable.

Objectives

In northern Ecuador, where floriculture is intensive and relies on female employment, we carried out an intensive cross-sectional study to assess children’s neurobehavioral functions at 6–8 years of age.

Methods

We examined all 87 children attending two grades in the local public school with an expanded battery of neurobehavioral tests. Information on pesticide exposure during the index pregnancy was obtained from maternal interview. The children’s current pesticide exposure was assessed from the urinary excretion of organophosphate metabolites and erythrocyte acetylcholine esterase activity.

Results

Of 84 eligible participants, 35 were exposed to pesticides during pregnancy via maternal occupational exposure, and 23 had indirect exposure from paternal work. Twenty-two children had detectable current exposure irrespective of their prenatal exposure status. Only children with prenatal exposure from maternal greenhouse work showed consistent deficits after covariate adjustment, which included stunting and socioeconomic variables. Exposure-related deficits were the strongest for motor speed (Finger Tapping Task), motor coordination (Santa Ana Form Board), visuospatial performance (Stanford-Binet Copying Test), and visual memory (Stanford-Binet Copying Recall Test). These associations corresponded to a developmental delay of 1.5–2 years. Prenatal pesticide exposure was also significantly associated with an average increase of 3.6 mmHg in systolic blood pressure and a slight decrease in body mass index of 1.1 kg/m². Inclusion of the pilot data strengthened these results.

Conclusions

These findings support the notion that prenatal exposure to pesticides—at levels not producing adverse health outcomes in the mother—can cause lasting adverse effects on brain development in children. Pesticide exposure therefore may contribute to a “silent pandemic” of developmental neurotoxicity.     

Arsenic in Mexican Children Exposed to Contaminated Well Water

This cross-sectional study measures the arsenic level in school children exposed to contaminated well water in a rural area in México. Arsenic was measured in hair by hydride generation atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Overall, 110 children were included (average 10 years-old). Among 55 exposed children, mean arsenic level on hair was 1.3 mg/kg (range <0.006–5.9). All unexposed children had undetectable arsenic levels. The high level of arsenic in water was associated to the level in hair. However, exposed children drank less well water at school or at home than unexposed children, suggesting that the use of contaminated water to cook beans, broths or soups may be the source of arsenic exposure.     

经导管主动脉瓣置换术对主动脉瓣狭窄患者肺动脉压力及左心收缩功能的影响

目的研究经导管主动脉瓣置换术对主动脉瓣狭窄患者肺动脉压力及左心收缩功能的影响。方法选取2017年6月至2018年6月我院收治的76例主动脉瓣狭窄患者,均行经导管主动脉瓣置换术治疗,记录患者手术相关情况,对比分析患者手术前后肺动脉压力及左心收缩功能情况。结果手术即刻成功率为100%,所有患者均未发生严重并发症及心脏不良事件。与术前比较,术后1周患者的肺动脉压力及左心收缩功能均明显改善(P<0.05)。结论经导管主动脉瓣置换术对主动脉瓣狭窄患者肺动脉压力及左心收缩功能具有积极影响,利于其预后改善。     

动态血压正常高限者的左室肥厚

目的：观察动态血压为正常高限者的左室肥厚情况,为该患者群靶器官损害的防治策略提供依据。方法：根据２４小时动态血压监测结果将病人分为３组：Ｎ组（正常血压组）、ＮＨ组（血压正常高限组）和Ｈ组（高血压组）。以超声心动图检测左室舒张末期内径,舒张末期室间隔和左室后壁厚度等,计算左室重量指数（ＬＶＭＩ）。结果：Ｈ组（１２９±４１）和ＮＨ组（１１５±３２）的ＬＶＭＩ明显高于Ｎ组（９７±２３,Ｐ＝０．００００１和０．００５）,Ｈ组和ＮＨ组间无统计学差异。结论：动态血压正常高限者左室肥厚程度明显重于血压完全正常者。对该人群亦应积极采取措施预防和治疗靶器官损害     

运动后收缩压反应对左室肥厚合并冠心病的诊断价值

目的　探讨运动试验中运动后收缩压反应对左室肥厚合并冠心的诊断价值。方法　 5 8例心电图左室肥厚患者根据冠状动脉造影结果分为冠心病组 (31例 )和非冠心病组 (2 7例 ) ,比较两组患者在平板运动试验中收缩压比值 (运动结束后 3min与运动高峰时收缩压比值 )的差异。结果　在冠心病组 ,运动试验中收缩压比值明显高于非冠心病组 (0 98± 0 11vs 0 84± 0 11,P <0 0 1) ;以运动试验中收缩压比值 >0 90且有ST段下移≥0 1mv为标准 ,诊断冠心病的准确性为 82 8% ,明显高于单用ST段下移诊断冠心病的准确性 (6 3 8% ,P <0 0 5 )。结论　在心电图左室肥厚患者 ,运动后收缩压反应是判断冠心病的有用指标 ,结合ST段下移 ,可以提高运动试验冠心病的准确性     

高血压左室肥厚与动态血压变异性的关系

目的研究高血压(EH)患者左室肥厚(LVH)与动态血压监测参数:血压变异性(BPV)的关系.方法75例高血压病人,平均年龄63±8岁.动态测定24h血压;超声心动图测室间膈、左室后壁厚度、左室舒张末直径,并按Devereux校正公式计算左心室重量指数(LVMI);根据LVMI的结果分为LVH组和无LVH组.结果动态血压变异系数:24h收缩压变异系数、夜间收缩压变异系数在LVH组(0.0830±0.0076,0.1149±0.2537)明显低于无LVH组(0.2677 0.1524,0.3573 0.3667)(P＜0.01);LVH组的LVMI 分别与24h收缩压变异系数、24h舒张压变异系数、夜间收缩压变异系数、夜间舒张压变异系数呈负相关.结论伴LVH的EH患者心血管交感、迷走神经功能失衡;BPV可能对EH患者靶器官损害有预测价值.     

伊贝沙坦对老年高血压病人左心室质量及血压变异性的影响

目的观察伊贝沙坦对老年高血压患者血压变异性和左心室质量的影响。方法选择87例轻、中型老年高血压患者,服用伊贝沙坦3个月,比较治疗前、后24h收缩压、舒张压、左心室质量的变化。结果服药3个月后24h及日间收缩压变异性、舒张压变异性、夜间收缩压变异性、24h及日间平均压变异性明显降低(P<0.05);24h收缩压和舒张压及左心室质量均较治疗前下降(P<0.05)。结论伊贝沙坦是一种疗效好并能平稳、持续安全降压且尤为适合老年高血压患者的药物。     

Arsenic Bioaccumulation and Biotransformation in Clams (Asaphis violascens) Exposed to Inorganic Arsenic: Effects of Species and Concentrations

Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology - High arsenic (As) concentrations are found in marine clams, usually as less-toxic arsenobetaine (AsB). However, when clams were exposed to...     

钒对职业接触人群心血管系统基本症状及血压的影响

[目的]探讨钒对职业接触人群心血管系统的影响. [方法]通过横断面研究方法,对钒职业接触工人心血管系统的症状、血压、心电图进行分析,探讨钒对职业人群心血管的影响. [结果]接钒组心血管系统症状检出率是对照组的2.6倍(OR=2.60,P＜0.05),且接钒工龄与心血管系统症状检出率呈正相关(OR=1.40,P＜0.05).接钒组收缩压高于对照组(P＜0.05),两组舒张压差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05);接钒组高血压的检出率与对照组比较,差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).两组心电图异常情况比较,差异亦无统计学意义(P＞0.05). [结论]钒化合物对职业接触人群的心血管系统可产生潜在危害.     

原发性高血压患者动态血压监测指标和左室肥厚的相关性研究

目的：研究原发性高血压 （EH） 患者动态血压监测指标和左室肥厚 （LVH） 的关系,为临床决策和治疗提供依据.方法：收集宁夏医科大学总医院心内科患者 90 例,行超声心动图和 24 h 动态血压监测 （ABPM）,根据左室重量指数 （LVMI） 分为 EH 伴 LVH 组 （n=37）、EH不伴 LVH 组 （n=23） 和对照组 （n=30）,比较组间差异,分析动态血压各参数和 LVMI 的相关性.结果：（1） 收缩压、夜间舒张压、收缩压负荷和LVMI,EH 伴 LVH 组 〉EH 不伴 LVH 组 〉 对照组 ;（2）LVMI 与收缩压、舒张压、脉压、血压变异性和夜间血压负荷呈正相关,与夜间血压下降率呈负相关.结论：左室肥厚与动态血压水平、脉压、血压变异性和夜间血压负荷呈正相关,与夜间血压下降率呈负相关.     

反复低温暴露对大鼠血压影响机制的研究

[目的]通过观察低温暴露后大鼠血压的变化，探讨肾素-血管紧张素系统（renin-angiotensin system．RAS）在其中的作用。[方法]选择6-7周龄体重200-250g雄性SD大鼠18只，适应性饲养1周后随机分为对照组（25℃、相对湿度45％）、低温组（4℃、相对湿度45％）和低温高湿组（4℃、相对湿度80％），分别暴露于相应环境中4h/d，持续14d。每天监测大鼠体重、血压、心率的变化。实验暴露14d后，应用放射免疫分析法测定大鼠血浆和下丘脑血管紧张素Ⅱ（angiotensinⅡ，AngⅡ）水平，下丘脑肾素活性（renin activity，RA）以及血浆醛固酮（aldosterone，ALD）水平。[结果]实验暴露14d后，低温组和低温高湿组大鼠血压较对照组明显升高，且差异有显著性（P〈0．05）；低温组和低温高湿组下丘脑AngⅡ水平高于对照组，且差异有显著性（P〈0．05）。[结论]低温导致大鼠血压升高，可能与循环和脑RAS活性增强有关。     

Neurobehavioral Function in School-Age Children Exposed to Manganese in Drinking Water

Background: Manganese neurotoxicity is well documented in individuals occupationally exposed to airborne particulates, but few data are available on risks from drinking-water exposure.Objective: We examined associations of exposure from concentrations of manganese in water and hair with memory, attention, motor function, and parent- and teacher-reported hyperactive behaviors.Methods: We recruited 375 children and measured manganese in home tap water (MnW) and hair (MnH). We estimated manganese intake from water ingestion. Using structural equation modeling, we estimated associations between neurobehavioral functions and MnH, MnW, and manganese intake from water. We evaluated exposure–response relationships using generalized additive models.Results: After adjusting for potential confounders, a 1-SD increase in log₁₀ MnH was associated with a significant difference of –24% (95% CI: –36, –12%) SD in memory and –25% (95% CI: –41, –9%) SD in attention. The relations between log₁₀ MnH and poorer memory and attention were linear. A 1-SD increase in log₁₀ MnW was associated with a significant difference of –14% (95% CI: –24, –4%) SD in memory, and this relation was nonlinear, with a steeper decline in performance at MnW > 100 μg/L. A 1-SD increase in log₁₀ manganese intake from water was associated with a significant difference of –11% (95% CI: –21, –0.4%) SD in motor function. The relation between log₁₀ manganese intake and poorer motor function was linear. There was no significant association between manganese exposure and hyperactivity.Conclusion: Exposure to manganese in water was associated with poorer neurobehavioral performances in children, even at low levels commonly encountered in North America.Citation: Oulhote Y, Mergler D, Barbeau B, Bellinger DC, Bouffard T, Brodeur ME, Saint-Amour D, Legrand M, Sauvé S, Bouchard MF. 2014. Neurobehavioral function in school-age children exposed to manganese in drinking water. Environ Health Perspect 122:1343–1350; http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/ehp.1307918     

气虚血瘀型冠心病患者左室功能的评价

目的：应用应变率显像（SRI）技术评价气虚血瘀型冠心病患者的左心室功能。方法：选择冠心病组20例,正常组20例,测定各组收缩期、舒张早期、舒张晚期的峰值应变率（SRS、SRE、SRA）。结果：与正常组比较,冠心病组缺血节段的SRS、SRE、SRA均显著降低（P〈0．05）。结论：SRI为定量、准确评价冠心病患者左室功能提供了新的方法,气虚血瘀型冠心病患者有左心室舒缩功能异常。     

斑点追踪技术测量二尖瓣环运动对冠心病患者左心室整体收缩功能评价的研究

目的探讨超声二维斑点追踪显像(STI)技术测量二尖瓣环运动对冠心病患者左心室整体收缩功能评价的价值。方法根据冠状动脉造影(CAG)结果分为:冠心病组32例,至少一支主要冠状动脉狭窄≥50%且100%;对照组30例为CAG结果正常者。所有受检者均接受常规超声心动图检查,取心尖四腔观、左室长轴观、两腔观二维动态图像,应用组织运动瓣环位移(TMAD)软件描绘二尖瓣环后间隔、侧壁、前间隔、后壁、前壁、下壁6个位点相对于心尖部的运动曲线,测量收缩期位移和速度,计算二尖瓣环同一切面两点收缩期平均位移(四腔观:TMDs4;左室长轴观:TMDs3;两腔观:TMDs2)、平均速度(四腔观:TMVs4;左室长轴观:TMVs3;两腔观:TMVs2),6个位点的平均位移(SMDs)、平均速度(SMVs)并进行比较。将SMDs、SMVs、TMDs4、TMDs3、TMDs2、TMVs4、TMVs3、TMVs2与简化双平面Simpson’s法所测得的左室射血分数(LVEF)进行相关性分析。结果冠心病组TMDs4、TMDs3、TMDs2、SMDs、TMVs4、TMVs3、TMVs2、SMVs均较对照组减低(分别为t=4.16,P0.01;t=4.64,P0.01;t=3.43,P0.01;t=5.04,P0.01;t=3.02,P0.01;t=4.33,P0.01;t=2.92,P0.01;t=3.83,P0.05)。结论 STI所测量的二尖瓣环收缩期位移和速度可以评价冠心病患者的左心室整体收缩功能。     

Blood Pressure of Low Income, Mexican-American Children

Blood pressure (BP) readings were obtained for 1,680 low income Mexican-American (MA) children, ages ten-14 years, to determine distributions among this ethnic group. Analysis of data indicated mean BP increased with age, with boys exhibiting slightly higher systolic and diastolic blood pressures than girls. Comparison of MA subjects with National Institutes of Health percentile norms revealed significantly lower BP levels (p less than .001) among study subjects at all age groups.     

Influence of Dietary Fats Upon Systolic Blood Pressure in the Rat

Studies were performed to determine whether feeding diets with differing fatty acid content and composition had an influence on systolic blood pressure in the rat. Weanling male rats were fed standard laboratory chow (2.9% fat in total), or synthetic diets (10% fat in total) containing fish oil, butter, coconut oil or corn oil, for 5 weeks. Coconut oil and butter diets were rich in saturated fatty acids, whilst fish oil and corn oil were rich in the n-3 and n-6 unsaturated fatty acids respectively. Systolic blood pressure was measured using an indirect tail-cuff method at the end of the feeding period, and compared to a group of weanling rats.

Feeding the different diets did not alter the growth of the rats, so all animals were of similar weights at the time of blood pressure determination. Control (chow fed) animals, at nine weeks of age, had higher systolic blood pressures than the weanling, baseline control group. Fish oil fed rats had similar pressures to the chow fed rats. Corn oil fed rats had significantly lower systolic pressures than the controls. The rats fed the diets rich in saturated fatty acids (butter and coconut oil) had significantly higher blood pressures than all other groups. Systolic blood pressure was found to be significantly related to the dietary intakes of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. The dietary intake of linoleic acid was significantly higher in corn oil fed rats than in other groups. Systolic blood pressure was inversely related to linoleic acid intake. Feeding a diet rich in saturated fatty acids significantly increases blood pressure in the rat. A high intake of n-6 fatty acids, and in particular linoleic acid, appears to have a hypotensive effect. Prenatal exposure of the rats to a maternal low protein diet, abolished the hypertensive effects of the coconut oil diet and the hypotensive effect of the corn oil diet upon young adult females. The intrauterine environment may, therefore, be an important determinant of the effects of these fatty acids on blood pressure in later life.