Environmental arsenic exposure, selenium and sputum alpha-1 antitrypsin
Jefferey L Burgess1, Margaret Kurzius-Spencer1, Gerald S Poplin1
1Division of Community, Environment and Policy, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA.
Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology
|July 11, 2013
Summary
Arsenic exposure may lower lung
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Toxicology
- Pulmonary Medicine
Background:
- Arsenic in drinking water is linked to respiratory issues.
- Alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) is crucial for lung protection.
- Selenium's role in mitigating arsenic's effects is under investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between arsenic exposure and airway Alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) levels.
- To determine if selenium modifies the relationship between arsenic exposure and AAT concentration.
Main Methods:
- Evaluated 55 subjects in Arizona with varying arsenic exposure levels.
- Measured arsenic species in tap water and urine.
- Analyzed induced sputum for AAT and toenails for selenium and arsenic.
Main Results:
- Higher arsenic levels were found in Ajo compared to Tucson.
- Urinary monomethylarsonic acid (MMA) showed a negative association with sputum AAT.
- Toenail selenium demonstrated a positive association with sputum AAT, particularly in high-exposure areas.
Conclusions:
- Arsenic exposure may reduce protective AAT levels in the airways, potentially contributing to respiratory disease.
- Selenium may offer a protective effect against arsenic-induced AAT reduction.
- Findings highlight the complex interplay between arsenic, selenium, and lung health.
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