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Cognitive function and plasma BDNF levels among manganese-exposed smelters
Yunfeng Zou1, Li Qing, Xiaoyun Zeng
1Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, People's Republic of China.
Occupational and Environmental Medicine
|January 14, 2014
Summary
Occupational manganese (Mn) exposure is linked to lower cognitive function and reduced plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels. Higher Mn exposure correlates with greater cognitive decline and lower BDNF in workers.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Occupational Health
- Toxicology
Background:
- Manganese (Mn) is an essential trace element, but occupational overexposure can lead to neurotoxicity.
- Cognitive impairment and alterations in neurotrophic factors are potential consequences of chronic Mn exposure.
- Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays a crucial role in neuronal survival, growth, and cognitive function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the dose-response relationship between occupational manganese exposure and cognitive function.
- To examine the association between manganese exposure levels and plasma BDNF concentrations in exposed workers.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 819 manganese-exposed workers and 293 controls.
- Cognitive function assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test.
- Plasma BDNF levels measured by ELISA in a subset of exposed workers and controls.
Main Results:
- Manganese-exposed workers exhibited significantly lower MoCA scores compared to controls, with a dose-dependent decrease observed.
- A positive correlation was found between plasma BDNF levels and MoCA scores.
- Plasma BDNF levels were significantly lower in manganese-exposed workers, decreasing with increasing exposure levels.
Conclusions:
- Occupational manganese exposure is associated with impaired cognitive function.
- Reduced plasma BDNF levels may be a biomarker for manganese-induced neurotoxicity.
- Findings suggest a potential link between manganese exposure, decreased BDNF, and cognitive deficits.
