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Pallidal index on MRI as a target organ dose of manganese: structural equation model analysis
Euna Kim1, Yangho Kim, Hae-Kwan Cheong
1Occupational Safety and Health Research Institute, Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency, Incheon, Republic of Korea.
Abstract:
We have used a structural equation model (SEM) to analyze the interrelationships among exposure markers, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) signal index, and neurobehavioral effects. Based on exposure groups, we assessed blood manganese, MRI measurements of pallidal index (PI), and neurobehavioral core test battery (WHO-NCTB) on 111 male workers occupationally exposed to manganese, including welders, smelter workers, and welding rod manufacturing workers. Latent variables were constructed to represent the neurobehavioral effects in an integrated way. The structural equation model revealed that airborne manganese and blood manganese contribute to PI significantly. Manganese exposure in the ambient air may lead to an increase in the internal dose, not only indirectly, by increasing blood manganese level, but also directly, independent of blood concentration. PI significantly contributed to a decrease in neurobehavioral test scores. We found that airborne manganese contributed to PI, and that PI is the most effective predictor of neurobehavioral performance, after adjusting for age and level of education. In conclusion, PI on MRI reflects target organ dose of occupational manganese exposure.
Insights
Occupational manganese exposure increases pallidal index (PI) on MRI scans, impacting neurobehavioral performance. PI serves as a key indicator of manganese
Area of Science:
- Neurotoxicology
- Occupational Health
- Biomarkers of Exposure
Background:
- Occupational exposure to manganese (Mn) poses risks to neurological health.
- Assessing the relationship between Mn exposure, brain changes, and neurobehavioral deficits is crucial.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers potential for visualizing Mn-related brain alterations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze interrelationships among manganese exposure markers, MRI signal index, and neurobehavioral effects.
- To determine if pallidal index (PI) on MRI reflects target organ dose of occupational manganese exposure.
- To identify predictors of neurobehavioral performance in manganese-exposed workers.
Main Methods:
- Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) applied to data from 111 male workers occupationally exposed to manganese.
- Assessment of airborne manganese, blood manganese levels, MRI-derived pallidal index (PI), and neurobehavioral core test battery (WHO-NCTB) scores.
- Construction of latent variables to represent integrated neurobehavioral effects.
Main Results:
- Airborne and blood manganese levels significantly contribute to the pallidal index (PI).
- Airborne manganese exposure directly and indirectly increases internal manganese dose.
- Pallidal index (PI) significantly predicts decreased neurobehavioral test scores, independent of age and education.
Conclusions:
- Pallidal index (PI) on MRI is a sensitive indicator of target organ dose from occupational manganese exposure.
- Manganese exposure affects the basal ganglia, as evidenced by PI changes.
- PI is a critical predictor of neurobehavioral deficits in workers exposed to manganese.
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