Micronuclei frequency and exposure to chemical mixtures in three Colombian mining populations.

The Colombian mining industry has witnessed significant growth. Depending on the scale and mineral extracted, complex chemical mixtures are generated, impacting the health of occupationally exposed populations and communities near mining projects. Increasing evidence suggests that chromosomal instability (CIN) is an important link between the development of certain diseases and exposure to complex mixtures. To better understand the effects of exposure to complex mixtures we performed a biomonitoring study on 407 healthy individuals from four areas: three located in municipalities exploiting different-scale mining systems and a reference area with no mining activity. Large, medium, and small-scale mining systems were analyzed in Montelibano (Córdoba), artisanal and small-scale mining (ASGM) in Nechí (Antioquia), and a closed mining system in Aranzazu (Caldas). The reference area with no mining activity was established in Montería (Córdoba). ICP-MS measured multi-elemental exposure in hair, and CIN was evaluated using the cytokinesis-block micronucleus technique (MNBN). Exposure to mixtures of chemical elements was comparable in workers and residents of the mining areas but significantly higher compared to reference individuals. In Montelibano, increased MNBN frequencies were associated with combined exposure to Se, Hg, Mn, Pb, and Mg. This distinct pattern significantly differed from other areas. Specifically, in Nechí, Cr, Ni, Hg, Se, and Mg emerged as the primary contributors to elevated frequencies of MNBN. In contrast, a combination of Hg and Ni played a role in increasing MNBN in Aranzazu. Interestingly, Se consistently correlated with increased MNBN frequencies across all active mining areas. Chemical elements in Montelibano exhibit a broader range compared to other mining zones, reflecting the characteristics of the high-impact and large-scale mining in the area. This research provides valuable insights into the effects of exposure to chemical mixtures, underscoring the importance of employing this approach in the risk assessment of communities, especially those from residential areas.

Genetic Instability among Hitnü People Living in Colombian Crude-Oil Exploitation Areas.

Oil exploitation, drilling, transportation, and processing in refineries produces a complex mixture of chemical compounds, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which may affect the health of populations living in the zone of influence of mining activities (PZOI). Thus, to better understand the effects of oil exploitation activities on cytogenetic endpoint frequency, we conducted a biomonitoring study in the Hitnü indigenous populations from eastern Colombia by using the cytokinesis micronucleus cytome assay (CBMN-cyt). PAH exposure was also measured by determine urine 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) using HPLC. We also evaluated the relationship between DNA damage and 1-OHP levels in the oil exploitation area, as well as the modulating effects of community health factors, such as Chagas infection; nutritional status; and consumption of traditional hallucinogens, tobacco, and wine from traditional palms. The frequencies of the CBMN-cyt assay parameters were comparable between PZOI and Hitnü populations outside the zone of influence of mining activities (POZOI); however, a non-significant incremental trend among individuals from the PZOI for most of the DNA damage parameters was also observed. In agreement with these observations, levels of 1-OHP were also identified as a risk factor for increased MN frequency (PR = 1.20) compared to POZOI (PR = 0.7). Proximity to oil exploitation areas also constituted a risk factor for elevated frequencies of nucleoplasmic bridges (NPBs) and APOP-type cell death. Our results suggest that genetic instability and its potential effects among Hitnü individuals from PZOI and POZOI could be modulated by the combination of multiple factors, including the levels of 1-OHP in urine, malnutrition, and some traditional consumption practices.

Factores ambientales en la transmisión del SARS-CoV-2/COVID 19: panorama mundial y colombiano / Environmental factors in the transmission of SARS-COV-2/COVID 19: World and Colombian outlook

Resumen Introducción: Diversas investigaciones han intentado establecer el impacto de algunos parámetros meteorológicos y de calidad del medio ambiente en la transmisión del SARS-CoV-2, tomando en consideración las características geográficas de cada país y con el fin de mitigar el avance de la enfermedad mediante el control de esos factores. Objetivo: Analizar la evidencia existente sobre la posible relación entre factores ambientales y la morbilidad y mortalidad por SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 en el panorama mundial y colombiano. Metodología: Se realizó una revisión exhaustiva de la literatura científica en las bases de datos electrónicas. Además, se analizó el impacto de algunas variables ambientales y la gravedad de los casos de COVID-19 durante el período del 8 de abril al 29 de julio de 2020 en la ciudad Bogotá. Resultados: El análisis correlacional entre la ocupación de camas UCIs en Bogotá con los factores ambientales como temperatura, las concentraciones de PM2 5, O3, NO, NO2 y CO mostraron una relación inversamente significativa. Entre tanto, se presentó una correlación positiva entre los niveles de óxidos de nitrógeno (NO/NO2) y el monóxido de carbono (CO). Algunos de estos resultados posiblemente están relacionados con los efectos de la cuarentena impuesta por el gobierno local. Conclusión: Nivel mundial existe suficiente evidencia para relacionar algunas condiciones y parámetros ambientales con un aumento en la morbilidad y mortalidad por COVID-19. Las evidencias a nivel nacional aún son escasas.

Abstract Introduction: Several investigations have attempted to establish the impact of some meteorological and environmental parameters on the transmission of SARS-CoV-2, considering each country's geographical characteristics and seeking to mitigate the disease's advancement by controlling these factors. Objective: Analyze the evidence on the possible relationship between environmental factors, morbidity, and mortality due to SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19, both globally and within Colombia. Methodology: A comprehensive review of the scientific literature was carried out in the electronic databases. Additionally, the impact of some environmental variables and the severity of COVID-19 cases were analyzed during the period from April 8 to July 29, 2020, for the city of Bogotá. Results: The correlational analysis between the ICU admission rates in Bogotá and the environmental factors like temperature, PM2 5, O3, NO, NO2 y CO levels, and ozone concentration showed an inversely significant relationship. Meanwhile, there was a positive correlation between the levels of nitrogen oxides (NO/NO2) and carbon monoxide (CO). Some of these results could be related to the effects of the quarantine imposed by local governments. Conclusion: Globally, there is enough evidence to link environmental conditions and parameters with increased morbidity and mortality for COVID-19. Evidence at the national level is still scarce.