Relationship between heavy metal concentrations and Chronic kidney disease in population of Hoveyzeh cohort study: A cross-sectional study in Iran.

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a multifactorial disease whose prevalence is increasing worldwide. CKD affects 700 million to 1 billion people worldwide, with a prevalence of 9.1% to 13.4%. In Iran, the reported prevalence of CKD is 15.14%, even higher than the global prevalence. Some studies introduced heavy metals as possible risk factors of CKD. We conducted the first study in Iran to examine the relationship between 10 selected urinary heavy metals and CKD in the Hovayzeh cohort study population. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, urine samples were collected from two groups of ca ses (suffering from CKD) and controls (without CKD) with equal size (47 people each). Analysis of the 10 sellected heavy metals in the samples was conducted using inductively coupled plasma emission spectroscopy. Basic Information was obtained from the Howayizeh Cohort Study Center. The data was analyzed using SPSS-26 and Excel-2016 software. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between urinary heavy metal concentrations of case and control groups (P < 0.05). While, the concentration of As, Cr, Cu, Mn, and Ni exceeded the reference limits of Germany, Canada, England, and Belgium. Se and Cd also surpassed the reference limits of England. After adjusting for confounding variables for each µg/l increase in urinary Cd, Ni, Pb, and Se the OR of CKD increased by 20.2%, 4.8%, 3.1%, and 2.6%, respectively. Although, these relationships were not statistically significant. In addition, two groups of heavy metals had a positive and significant correlation: (1) Se, Zn, As, Cu, and Cr; (2) Pb, Cd, and As; and (3) Cd and Ni. CONCLUSION: we found no significant relationship between urinary heavy metal and CKD. However, there was significant positive correlation in some of urinary heavy metals may indicate their shared resources. Furthermore, the concentration of most heavy metals in the urine of the participants was higher than the reference limits of these metals in the urine of healthy people from other countries. Thus, the elevated levels of these metals could still pose a risk to human health. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct prospective studies with a larger sample size in this area.

Consumption of foods contaminated with heavy metals and their association with cardiovascular disease (CVD) using GAM software (cohort study).

Introduction: Heavy metals can enter the environment and food through industrial activities, acid rain, chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and sewage. A large amount of these metals is dangerous because they tend to bio accumulate. A concern with these metals is the long-term, low-dose exposure seen in the general population. HMs can cause disorders in the cardiovascular system through various mechanisms such as the production of free radicals, DNA damage, lipid peroxidation, and oxidative stress. Material and method: Food items measured in the present study included rice, bread, and vegetables. 210 participants (105 controls and 105 patients) were randomly selected for this study. The demographic information of the subjects was obtained from the Hoveyzeh Cohort Center. The relationship between heavy metals in food and cardiovascular diseases is investigated by The Generalized Additive Model (GAM). Result: The results of the present study showed that when urine Cd was smoothed based on rice Cd, there was a significant correlation between urine Cd and Cd consumed in vegetables and rice. The GAM coefficient for urinary Cd excreted in case-control groups and Cd consumed in vegetables were 479.79(SE: 6.49-73.87) and 818.56(SE: 11.96-68.43), respectively, and for rice consumed, it was 0.03(SE: 0.015-2.103) and 0.04(SE: 0.017-2.338), respectively. The GAM coefficient for As consumption in vegetables and As in urine of case and control groups was 1.61 (SE: 9.48-0.16) and 22.36 (SE: 13.60-1.64), respectively. The same coefficient for rice consumption in case and control groups was 4.5 (SE: 0.62-7.22) and 10.48 (SE: 1.46-7.16), respectively. There was a very strong and significant correlation between the Sr in the urine of both groups and the Sr in the food consumed, so that the urinary Sr in the control group is excreted more than in the cardiovascular group. Conclusion: GAM analysis indicates that As in vegetable and rice is more than the standard limitation value. Also, Sr and Cd in vegetables, rice, and bread were more than the standard limitation value. According to the GAM model As had a significant value in rice and vegetables indicating that As is more than the standard limitation value, therefore, it is associated with CVD.

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) in water and edible fish species of Karun River, Ahvaz, Iran: spatial distribution, human health, and ecological risk assessment.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) are environmental contaminants with unfavorable impacts on human health and nature. This study aimed to determine the PFOA and PFOS concentration in water and fish samples from Karun, the largest river in Iran. According to the results, the PFOA and PFOS in water samples were 5.81-69.26 ng/L and not detected (n.d.)-35.12 ng/L, respectively. The dry season displayed higher concentrations in water samples than in the wet season. The maximum PFOS concentration measured was related to Barbus barbules sp. (27.89 ng/g). The human health risk assessment indicated minor risks (hazard ratio, HR < 1) from PFOA and PFOS through consuming contaminated drinking water and fish. Only HR value of PFOS in downstream area exceeded slightly 1.0, indicating potential health risk due to consumption of the river fish. Considering the average PFASs concentration, the risk quotients (RQs) showed low ecological risk.

Aflatoxin B1 and viruses' combined pathogenesis: A mini systematics review of invitro and invivo studies.

INTRODUCTION: The combined pathogenesis of Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and several viruses such as HBV, EBV and influenza virus have been investigated yet the molecular mechanism of their interaction and possible synergistic effects is not fully understood. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the current systematic review was to review in-vitro and in-vivo studies investigating the combined pathogenesis of aflatoxins and viruses. METHODS: This systematic review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. PECO (Population, Exposure, Comparator, and Outcome) criteria for invitro and invivo studies were used to evaluate the eligibility of the studies for systematic review. RESULTS: 21 studies were eligible for qualitative analysis based on the inclusion criteria. Of all the included studies, 9 (42.9 %) were invivo, 7 (33.3 %) were invitro-invivo and 5(23.8) articles conducted only invitro assay. Furthermore 14 (66.6 %) article explored hepatitis B virus (HBV) combination with AFB1, 4 (19 %) studied influenza A virus (SIV), 2 (9.7 %) were about Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and only 1 (4.7 %) included hepatitis C virus (HCV). CONCLUSION: The limited collected evidence suggests that AFB1 enhanced EBV and influenza virus pathogenesis. AFB1 also operated as a cofactor for HBV and EBV-mediated carcinogenesis. On the other hand HBV and HCV also induced AFB-1 carcinogenesis. Due to the limited amount of included studies and the inconsistency of their results further studies especially on HBV and SIV are essential for better understanding of their combined mechanisms.

Crowdsourcing temporal transcriptomic coronavirus host infection data: Resources, guide, and novel insights.

The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) reawakened the need to rapidly understand the molecular etiologies, pandemic potential, and prospective treatments of infectious agents. The lack of existing data on SARS-CoV-2 hampered early attempts to treat severe forms of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) during the pandemic. This study coupled existing transcriptomic data from severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 1 (SARS-CoV-1) lung infection animal studies with crowdsourcing statistical approaches to derive temporal meta-signatures of host responses during early viral accumulation and subsequent clearance stages. Unsupervised and supervised machine learning approaches identified top dysregulated genes and potential biomarkers (e.g. CXCL10, BEX2, and ADM). Temporal meta-signatures revealed distinct gene expression programs with biological implications to a series of host responses underlying sustained Cxcl10 expression and Stat signaling. Cell cycle switched from G1/G0 phase genes, early in infection, to a G2/M gene signature during late infection that correlated with the enrichment of DNA damage response and repair genes. The SARS-CoV-1 meta-signatures were shown to closely emulate human SARS-CoV-2 host responses from emerging RNAseq, single cell, and proteomics data with early monocyte-macrophage activation followed by lymphocyte proliferation. The circulatory hormone adrenomedullin was observed as maximally elevated in elderly patients who died from COVID-19. Stage-specific correlations to compounds with potential to treat COVID-19 and future coronavirus infections were in part validated by a subset of twenty-four that are in clinical trials to treat COVID-19. This study represents a roadmap to leverage existing data in the public domain to derive novel molecular and biological insights and potential treatments to emerging human pathogens.

Synthetic biology tools for environmental protection.

Synthetic biology transforms the way we perceive biological systems. Emerging technologies in this field affect many disciplines of science and engineering. Traditionally, synthetic biology approaches were commonly aimed at developing cost-effective microbial cell factories to produce chemicals from renewable sources. Based on this, the immediate beneficial impact of synthetic biology on the environment came from reducing our oil dependency. However, synthetic biology is starting to play a more direct role in environmental protection. Toxic chemicals released by industries and agriculture endanger the environment, disrupting ecosystem balance and biodiversity loss. This review highlights synthetic biology approaches that can help environmental protection by providing remediation systems capable of sensing and responding to specific pollutants. Remediation strategies based on genetically engineered microbes and plants are discussed. Further, an overview of computational approaches that facilitate the design and application of synthetic biology tools in environmental protection is presented.

Investigation of cocoa and cinnamon effect on acrylamide formation in cakes production using GC/MS method: A risk assessment study.

This study was conducted with the aim of investigating the effect of cinnamon and cocoa on the formation of acrylamide in cake samples and their carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks. The cake samples were prepared using alkaline extraction, xanthidrol derivative and micro-extraction, then injected into a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to identify acrylamide. The maximum and minimum mean concentration of acrylamide among samples was related to the cinnamon cakes (212.28 ng/g) and the cocoa cake samples (10.14 ng/g), respectively. Acrylamide concentration for unflavored samples, cinnamon cake samples and cocoa cake samples were 61.86 ng/g, 169.38-212.28 ng/g and 10.14-44.64 ng/g, respectively. Human health risk assessment based on Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) indicated that the target hazard quotient and incremental lifetime cancer due to ingestion of acrylamide formation in cake samples for adults and children were in the acceptable limits (THQ > 1 and CR > 1E-4). In conclusion, cocoa flavor was able to decrease the concentration of acrylamide in cakes. According to the results, it is necessary to measure the amount of acrylamide in consumer cakes by regulatory organizations.

Assessment of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Seawater and Sediments, Human and Ecological Risks, Northern Coastline of Persian Gulf.

This study aimed to assess 13 PAHs concentrations and induced human and ecological risks in seawater and surficial sediments of eight estuaries in the northern coastline of the Persian Gulf, Iran, 2021. The range of Σ13 PAHs concentration was 0.24-8.83 µg L-l and 3.1-11.46 µg g-1 dry weight, and the mean value was 4.99 µg L-l and 6.06 µg g-1 dry weight in seawater and sediment, respectively. Two, three and four rings PAHs were dominant with 29.33% and 41.33% of ΣPAHs in seawater and sediment, respectively. The primary source of PAHs was both pyrolytic and petrogenic. Most PAHs' calculated health (DCR, HQs, TEF, MEF) and ecological risks (SQGs) values in seawater were in the moderate range or high-risk values for damage to the marine environment. It is concluded that the pollution of PAHs should be carefully considered, and the government should make a proper action plan to minimize the pollution.

Distribution of total petroleum hydrocarbons in superficial sediments of Karun River Basin, southwest of Iran: spatial and seasonal variations, source identification, and ecological risk.

Total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs) are common environmental pollutants in aquatic ecosystems that tend to adsorb onto the sediments. This study aimed to monitor the concentration and assessment of contamination level of TPHs in the sediments of Karun River and Bahmanshir estuary, which will eventually flow into the Persian Gulf. GIS-mapping technique was used to indicate the distribution of TPHs. The samples were collected during dry and wet seasons at 15 monitoring stations. - The maximum amount of TPHs was obtained at station No. 14 in the dry season (225.29 µg/g). The indices of determining the pollution source showed that hydrocarbons in polluted areas were mainly of biogenic origin. Compared to sediment quality guidelines (SQGs) and contamination factor (Cf), the study area sediments were in the conditions of moderate pollution and had a low ecological risk.

Troxerutin affects nephropathy signaling events in the kidney of type-1 diabetic male rats.

Objective: Nephropathy is known to be the leading cause of kidney failure in diabetic patients. Troxerutin, as a flavonoid component, could provide a novel protective strategy in the prevention of diabetic nephropathy. A large number of reports on the salutary effects of troxerutin inspired us to investigate its effect on the nephropathy signaling events (i.e., expression of TGF-ß, miRNA192, and SIP1) in type-1 induced diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: 50 male Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups including control group, sham group treated with troxerutin for 4 weeks, diabetic group induced by streptozotocin (STZ) injection, DI group including insulin-treated diabetic animals and DT group treated with troxerutin. Ultimately, rat kidneys were extracted, and the level of miR-192 (using qPCR), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-ß), and smad interacting protein 1 (SIP1) using an ELISA kit, was measured. Results: The level of TGF-ß and miRNA192 significantly increased in the diabetic group. However, their expression levels decreased following the administration of troxerutin and insulin (p<0.05) compared to control group. SIP1 was down-regulated in the diabetic group, whereas a spike in the expression levels was observed after troxerutin administration compared to control and troxerutin groups (p<0.05). However, no significant difference was found in the effects of insulin and troxerutin on the level of miR-192, SIP1, and TGF- ß. Conclusion: According to the previous literatures, during the progression of nephropathy, TGF-ß represses SIP1 (the repression region in the collagen gene) by increasing the expression of miR-192. Ultimately, in this study, diabetes led to up-regulation of TGF-ß while troxerutin proved to have a protective effect on the kidney by increasing SIP and lowering miR-192 levels.

Association between heavy metals and metabolic syndrome in drinking water and surface soil: case-control study in Iran.

Although obesity is a major risk factor for metabolic syndrome (MetS), not all obese people develop MetS that is directly related to obesity. This suggests that the risk of MetS is influenced by other genetic or environmental agents such as heavy metals. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between heavy metals in drinking water and surface soil, and its relationship with the incidence of MetS. To determine the sampling points of drinking water and surface soil, from the location of 150 people selected for inclusion in the study, 16 points were selected randomly for heavy metal concentration analysis. Results were indicated that mean concentrations of V, Mn, Ni, As, Cd, and Sr in drinking water of MetS group were higher than control group. The concentration of heavy metals in drinking water, except for Mn and Sr, did not show a significant difference between case and control groups. The results of this study showed that concentration of heavy metals in drinking water and surface soil was positively associated with the incidence of MetS.

Hypochondroplasia and temporal lobe epilepsy - A series of 4 cases.

Hypochondroplasia is a skeletal dysplasia syndrome with an autosomal dominant inheritance. It may be associated with temporal lobe epilepsy. We present a series of four patients (two female, two male) with hypochondroplasia who presented at our center with drug refractory epilepsy. Clinical details and EEG and MRI findings led to a diagnosis of temporal lobe epilepsy in all four cases. The MRI findings indicate the epilepsy in hypochondroplasia may be associated with bilateral temporal lobe dysgenesis.

Bisphenol A degradation by peroxymonosulfate photo-activation coupled with carbon-based cobalt ferrite nanocomposite: Performance, upgrading synergy and mechanistic pathway.

Cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4, CF) nanoparticles were anchored on the multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) for synthesis of CF@MWCNT nanocomposite and enhancing the catalytic activity of CF. After well characterization, it was applied as a catalyst towards photo-activation peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for degradation of bisphenol A (BPA). Based on the identified intermediates, a possible degradation pathway was proposed for BPA. CF@MWCNT coupled with PMS and UV (i.e., CF@MWCNT/PMS/UV) exhibited a better performance than homogeneous UV-assisted PMS processes under Fe and Co ions. A significant synergy on the degradation of BPA was observed in the simultaneous application of catalyst, UV light and PMS. Under optimum conditions, the removal efficiencies of 100 and 72.6% were attained respectively for BPA and TOC by CF@MWCNT/PMS/UV within 60 min reaction. These efficiencies were decreased to 88 and 61% after five times use of catalyst, respectively. The leaching of metal ions dissolved from the catalyst was slight during cyclic utilization of catalyst, confirming high stability of CF@MWCNT. In this process, the participation of radical mechanisms was approximately 60%, which SO4•- and HO• species contributed as predominant oxidizing reactive species. It also showed the excellent catalytic performance towards decomposition of persulfate and hydrogen peroxide. Overall, UV-assisted PMS catalyzed by CF@MWCNT exhibited a good catalytic performance and so it can be potentially introduced as a promising method for efficient treatment of water contaminated by BPA.

Different Effects of Aerobic Exercise and Diaphragmatic Breathing on Lower Esophageal Sphincter Pressure and Quality of Life in Patients with Reflux: A Comparative Study.

BACKGROUND Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a worldwide disorder with an increasing prevalence. The quality of life (QOL) of the patients may be influenced by reflux disease. Diaphragmatic breathing (DB), as well as aerobic exercise (AE), may improve the symptoms of reflux disease, although it remains a controversial issue. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of AE and DB on QOL and lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure of patients with moderate to severe reflux. METHODS This was a case-control study that was conducted for 8 weeks among patients with moderate to severe GERD. The block randomization method was designed to randomize patients into three groups (AE, DB, and control) to achieve equal sample sizes. The control group received omeprazole 20 mg once daily. The other groups, in addition to omeprazole, received AE and DB. QOL and LES pressure were measured before and after the study by Questionary and Manometry method, respectively. RESULTS 75 patients were enrolled in this study. Positive effects of DB on LES pressure was approved (p = 0.001). DB had significantly more effects on QOL than aerobic exercise (p = 0.003). AE can significantly improve QOL in patients (p = 0.02) but no significant change in LES pressure (p = 0.38). There was no change in the control group for both variables. CONCLUSION AE had no effects on LES pressure but can improve QOL of the patients. DB had more effects on QOL than AE, so injured or disable patients with reflux who cannot do AE, can benefit from DB to improve their reflux symptoms.

The impact of myofascial release and stretching techniques on the clinical outcomes of migraine headache: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Migraine patients often have painful trigger points, especially in the area of head and neck. Thus, we aimed to investigate the effect of myofascial release and stretching techniques in the management of migraine headache. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a randomized controlled trial study on 40 migraine patients. The subjects in the experimental group received three sessions with a duration of 20 min per session techniques. Databases were analyzed using 2 × 3 repeated-measures analyses of variance (P < 0.05). RESULTS: Experimental group showed a significant reduction in pain intensity (P < 0.001) and the neck disability index score (P < 0.001) and an increase in cervical range of motion (P < 0.001) in all time points after the intervention as compared with baseline and control group (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Myofascial release and stretching techniques were effective in improving symptoms in patients with migraine headache.

The Role of Recombinant Fibroblast Growth Factor 1 in Enhancing the Angiogenesis in Random Cutaneous Flaps in Animal Model of Rat.

BACKGROUND: Randomized skin flaps have been used as a basic treatment modality for covering skin defects for a long time but they have always been in the risk of an inherent ischemia. Fibroblast growth factor 1 is a known angiogenic factor in in vitro studies which has shown conflicting results in in vivo investigation. We aimed to determine the effect of recombinant fibroblast growth factor on the angiogenesis rate of random cutaneous flap in animal model of rats. METHODS: This experimental study was conducted on 24 adult male rats randomized to 2 groups. In the first group FGF1 was injected subdermally in equally divided doses and distances of random flap surface in days 1, 3 and 5. In second group, normal saline was injected as control. Flap surgery was done on day 21 after first injection. The extent of necrosis and angiogenesis (mean vessel density) were assessed in day 14 after surgery. RESULTS: The mean percentage of clinically apparent necrosis was 35.2% (±10.5) in intervention (FGF1) group and 38.1% (±8.7) in control (normal saline), respectively. Mean vessel density was 86.20±5.6/mm2 in control group and 90.17±5.5/mm2 in intervention group, which showed no statistically significant difference. CONCLUSION: Mean vessel density and mean percentage of clinically apparent necrosis area were similar in 2 groups of rats with random cutaneous flaps receiving FGF1 or normal saline.

Extraction of valuable metals from discarded AMOLED displays in smartphones using Bacillus foraminis as an alkali-tolerant strain.

With the alarming rate of e-waste generation, resource recovery from secondary metal sources is essential for sustainable resource utilization and to prevent the release of potentially toxic elements into the environment. In the current study, the first-time extraction of Ag, Mo, and Cu from active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) screens of discarded smartphones have been achieved using organic acids produced by Bacillus foraminis cultured on a modified Horikoshi medium. The influences of initial pH, inoculation size, and pulp density on the bioleaching process were evaluated over six-day experiment. Maximum extraction of Ag, Mo, and Cu (100, 56.8, and 41.4%) at optimal values of three investigated factors was obtained over a 12-day bioleaching experiment. A diverse assemblage of organic acid was produced in the optimized bioleaching condition, including tartaric (12.1 mM), formic (49.8 mM), acetic (21.5 mM), lactic (78.5 mM), citric (2.7 mM), and propionic (69.6 mM) acid. The contact angle analysis highlighted more hydrophobicity of powder after the bioleaching. FTIR and CHNO data also confirmed the role of bioleaching in the powder wettability alteration. The sequential extraction method revealed high mobility of In, Fe, Co, Cu, Cr, and Mo and low mobility of Ag. The results exhibited high tolerance of alkali-tolerant bacteria to potentially toxic elements and its superior performance in the bioleaching of discarded mobile screens at high pulp density.

Characterization of the biosurfactant produced by Pesudomonas areuginosa strain R 4 and its application for remediation pyrene-contaminated soils.

A biosurfactant producing strain was isolated and the rhamnolipid type biosurfactant was extracted for soil washing of a synthetically and naturally hydrocarbon-contaminated soil. Following the primary screening, Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain R 4 was selected and the effect of the carbon and nitrogen source and the salinity on biosurfactant production was studied. Of the best results were observed for glucose as a carbon source, NH4Cl as a nitrogen source and salinity of 1.4%. The produced biosurfactant was a glycolipid type biosurfactant and reduced the surface tension to 32.5 mN/m with a critical micelle concentration (CMC) of 50 mg/L and production yield of 90 mg/L. Using produced biosurfactant, a pyrene desorption rate of 82% was observed in selected conditions for initial pyrene concentration of 200 mg/L.

On the airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and relationship with indoor conditions at a hospital.

The limited knowledge about the mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 transmission is a current challenge on a global scale. Among possible transmission routes, air transfer of the virus is thought to be prominent. To investigate this further, measurements were conducted at Razi hospital in Ahvaz, Iran, which was selected to treat COVID-19 severe cases in the Khuzestan province. Passive and active sampling methods were employed and compared with regard to their efficiency for collection of airborne SARS-COV-2 virus particles. Fifty one indoor air samples were collected in two areas, with distances of less than or equal to 1 m (patient room) and more than 3 m away (hallway and nurse station) from patient beds. A simulation method was used to obtain the virus load released by a regularly breathing or coughing individual including a range of microdroplet emissions. Using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), 11.76% (N = 6) of all indoor air samples (N = 51) collected in the COVID-19 ward tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 virus, including 4 cases in patient rooms and 2 cases in the hallway. Also, 5 of the 6 positive cases were confirmed using active sampling methods with only 1 based on passive sampling. The results support airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 bioaerosols in indoor air. Multivariate analysis showed that among 15 parameters studied, the highest correlations with PCR results were obtained for temperature, relative humidity, PM levels, and presence of an air cleaner.

Relationship between urinary heavy metals with metabolic syndrome and its components in population from Hoveyzeh cohort study: A case-control study in Iran.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) has been growing rapidly and is rising to pandemic proportions. Although obesity is a primary risk factor for the enhancement of these conditions, not all obese individuals develop metabolic syndrome, indicating that the risk for developing MetS is impacted by other genetic and/or environmental factors such as heavy metals. Therefore, the present study focused on the association between exposures to heavy metal and MetS. METHODS: Urine samples were collected from 150 participants (75 patients with MetS and 75 healthy participants), which were used from Hoveyzeh Cohort center. To make a quantitative comparison between the two groups, Man-Whitney nonparametric test was used. The logistic regression was performed adjusted for age, demographic, lifestyle factor, physical activity, occupational history and urine creatinine. RESULTS: The results of logistic regression showed that OR and 95 % CI for Cd, Pb, Sr, As and Fe concentration were still significant after adjusting for urine creatinine. Moreover, there was a relationship between Cd and Pb levels and waist circumstance (WC). After adjusting for urine creatinine, age, sex, occupation, smoking status, education and place of residence, only Pb concentration was showed a significant association with systolic blood pressure (SBP). The subjects with high urine level of Cd had the high odds (OR: 6.273; 95 % Cl: 1.783-22.070) of MetS and low high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C). The relationship between As concentration and high fasting blood sugars confirmed the previous evidence suggesting that high As level can cause diabetes. CONCLUSION: These results indicated that outbreak of MetS and its component are associated with heavy metal concentrations in urine.