Exploring Heavy Metal and Metalloid Exposure in Children: A Pilot Biomonitoring Study near a Sugarcane Mill.

Sugarcane production has been linked to the release of heavy metals and metalloids (HM/MTs) into the environment, raising concerns about potential health risks. This study aimed to assess the levels of 19 HM/MTs in children living near a sugarcane mill through a pilot biomonitoring investigation. We investigated sex-related differences in these element levels and their correlations. A cross-sectional study was conducted, analyzing data from 20 children in the latter part of 2023. Spearman correlation coefficients with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to assess the relationships between urinary HM/MT levels. Detectable levels of 17 out of the 19 HM/MTs were found across the entire study sample, with arsenic and copper detectable in 95% of the children. Titanium exhibited higher levels in boys compared to girls (p = 0.017). We identified 56 statistically significant correlations, with 51 of them being positive, while the remaining coefficients indicated negative relationships. This study characterized HM/MT levels in school-aged children residing near a sugarcane mill through a pilot biomonitoring investigation. Further research employing larger sample sizes and longitudinal assessments would enhance our understanding of the dynamics and health impacts of HM/MT exposure in this vulnerable population.

Metal concentrations and KIM-1 levels in school-aged children: a cross-sectional study.

Environmental exposure to heavy metals and metalloids, originating from sources such as mining and manufacturing activities, has been linked to adverse renal effects. This cross-sectional study assessed children's exposure to these elements and its association with urinary kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1). We analyzed data from 99 school-aged children residing in nine localities within the state of Colima, Mexico, during the latter half of 2023. Levels of 23 metals/metalloids and urinary KIM-1 were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. Detectable levels of these contaminants were found in over 91% of participants, with varied exposure profiles observed across locations ( p = 0.019). After adjusting for confounding factors like gender, age, and locality, higher levels of six metals/metalloids (boron, cadmium, cesium, lithium, selenium, zinc) were significantly associated with increased KIM-1 levels. Tailored mitigation efforts are crucial to protect children from regional pollutant burdens. However, limitations exist, as our study did not capture all potential factors influencing heavy metal/metalloid and KIM-1 levels.

Evaluation of SUMO1 and POU2AF1 in whole blood from rheumatoid arthritis patients and at risk relatives.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disorder characterized by chronic and symmetrical inflammation of synovial tissue with subsequent joint destruction. SUMO1 is an important regulator of apoptosis through non-canonical mechanism in synovial fibroblasts, and POU2AF1 is a known B-cell transcriptional co-activator. The specific objective of this study was to measure the expression of SUMO1 and POU2AF1 on first-degree relatives of patients with RA and also in the preclinical and clinical stages of RA and describe their possible role in RA physiopathology. Blood samples were collected from ACPA+, ACPA-, early and established RA subjects recruited. ACPAs and CarP autoantibodies were determined by ELISA Eurodiagnostica CCplus kit according to previously described protocols. RNA was isolated from blood samples; the purity as integrity was determined. Gene expression analysis was made by RT-qPCR using specific primers for SUMO1 and POU2AF1 mRNAs; relative expression was determined according to the 2-ΔΔct method procedure. Significant differences in the expression of both, SUMO1 and POU2AF1 were identified when comparing arthritis versus healthy or ACPA+ individuals, suggesting that the down regulation of such genes starts after the onset of symptoms in RA patients. Also, a significant correlation was identified for POU2AF1 and disease progression whit a downward trend for those with established RA. The implications of such gene down regulation are discussed in the context of RA physiopathology.