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Manganese accentuates adverse mental health effects associated with alcohol use disorders
Marie Pascale Sassine1, Donna Mergler, Rosemarie Bowler
1CINBIOSE, University of Québec in Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada.
Background:
A population-based study on early neurotoxic effects of environmental exposure to manganese (Mn) enabled us to investigate the relation between blood Mn levels (MnB), alcohol consumption, and risk for alcohol use disorders (AUD) on mental health.
Methods:
Participants were selected using a random stratified sampling procedure. Self-administered questionnaires provided data on alcohol consumption, sociodemographics, medical history, and lifestyle. Mood states were assessed with the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI), and risk for AUD was surveyed using a behavioral screening questionnaire and categorized into no, low, and high risk. Of 297 participants, 253 current drinkers who had responded to all questions on alcohol use were retained.
Results:
Psychologic distress increased with risk for AUD and alcohol consumption > or = 420 g/week. Higher MnB levels (> or =7.5 microg/L) intensified the relation between risk for AUD and BSI scale scores. The Prevalence odd ratios for positive cases of psychologic distress with risk for AUD, 1.98 [1.13-3.46], differed when divided by MnB strata: lower MnB: 1.34 [0.64-2.85]; higher MnB: 4.22 [1.65-10.77].
Conclusions:
These findings suggest that higher levels of blood manganese significantly increase neuropsychiatric symptoms associated with risk for alcohol use disorders.
Insights
High blood manganese levels worsen mental health issues in individuals at risk for alcohol use disorders (AUD). This study highlights the neurotoxic effects of manganese on psychological distress associated with AUD.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Neurotoxicology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Investigated early neurotoxic effects of environmental manganese (Mn) exposure.
- Examined the relationship between blood Mn levels (MnB), alcohol consumption, and mental health.
- Focused on risk for alcohol use disorders (AUD).
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the association between blood manganese levels, alcohol consumption patterns, and mental health outcomes.
- To determine if MnB levels modify the risk of psychological distress in individuals with varying AUD risk.
- To understand the neurotoxic impact of manganese on AUD-related mental health.
Main Methods:
- Population-based study utilizing random stratified sampling.
- Data collected via self-administered questionnaires on alcohol use, sociodemographics, and lifestyle.
- Assessed mood states using the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) and AUD risk via a behavioral screening questionnaire.
Main Results:
- Psychological distress escalated with higher AUD risk and significant alcohol consumption (>420 g/week).
- Elevated MnB levels (≥7.5 μg/L) amplified the association between AUD risk and BSI scores.
- Prevalence odds ratios for psychological distress were significantly higher in individuals with high MnB levels and AUD risk (4.22 [1.65-10.77]).
Conclusions:
- Higher blood manganese levels significantly exacerbate neuropsychiatric symptoms in individuals at risk for AUD.
- Environmental manganese exposure may represent a modifiable risk factor for mental health complications in AUD.
- Findings underscore the importance of monitoring MnB levels in populations with high alcohol consumption.