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Published on: June 18, 2021
Blood cadmium concentration and risk of subarachnoid haemorrhage
Martin Söderholm1, Yan Borné2, Bo Hedblad2
1Department of Clinical Science, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden; Department of Neurology, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden.
Insights
High blood cadmium levels may increase subarachnoid hemorrhage risk, but smoking appears to be a significant confounding factor. Further research is needed on cadmium
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Cardiovascular Science
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Cadmium is a toxic metal found in diet and tobacco smoke.
- Vascular accumulation of cadmium may impair vascular smooth muscle cell function.
- High blood cadmium is linked to cardiovascular events like stroke and myocardial infarction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between blood cadmium levels and the risk of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).
Main Methods:
- A nested case-control study was conducted using the Malmö Diet and Cancer cohort (n=28,449).
- Blood cadmium levels were measured in SAH cases (n=93) and matched controls (n=276).
- Odds ratios (OR) for SAH were calculated using a nested case-control design.
Main Results:
- Individuals in the highest quartile of blood cadmium showed an increased SAH risk (OR: 3.22).
- After adjusting for smoking, this association became non-significant (OR: 1.57).
Conclusions:
- The association between blood cadmium and SAH risk is largely explained by smoking.
- Further studies are warranted to explore cadmium's role in tobacco-related vascular pathology and SAH risk.
Background:
Cadmium is a toxic metal and exposure is mainly from diet and tobacco smoke. Cadmium is accumulated in blood vessels and may reduce synthesis of procollagen and inhibit proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells. High blood cadmium has been associated with increased risk of myocardial infarction, stroke and unruptured intracranial aneurysms. We examined whether blood cadmium increase the risk of subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH).
Methods:
The Malmö Diet and Cancer cohort (n = 28,449) was examined in 1991-1996 and blood samples were taken. Incidence of SAH was followed up to 2014. Cadmium was measured in stored blood samples from incident SAH cases and matched controls (n = 93 vs n = 276) and odds ratio (OR) for SAH was assessed in a nested case control design.
Results:
Subjects with cadmium concentration in the highest quartile had increased risk of SAH compared to those in the first quartile (OR: 3.22, 95%CI: 1.67-6.22). However, after adjusting for smoking, results were weakened and non-significant (OR: 1.57, 95%CI: 0.51-4.80).
Conclusions:
Cadmium concentration was associated with increased risk of SAH but this association was largely explained by smoking. Whether cadmium in tobacco may contribute to the vascular pathology and increased risk of SAH in smokers should be further studied.
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