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Multiple metals exposure and arterial stiffness: A panel study in China
Liangle Yang1, Yan Jiang1, Lei Zhao1
1Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, And State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
Chronic exposure to metals like titanium (Ti) and cobalt (Co) is linked to arterial stiffness. This study found Ti and Co in urine associated with reduced ankle-brachial index (ABI), and Ti may increase peripheral arterial disease (PAD) risk.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Cardiovascular Health
- Toxicology
Background:
- Chronic metal exposure is a known risk factor for arterial stiffness.
- Research on the impact of multiple metal exposures on arterial stiffness is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the associations between 23 urinary metals and arterial stiffness parameters (baPWV, ABI) in Chinese adults.
- To examine the relationship between metal exposure and peripheral arterial disease (PAD) risk.
Main Methods:
- A panel study involving 127 Chinese adults with 3 repeated visits.
- Measurement of 23 urinary metals, brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), and ankle-brachial index (ABI).
- Analysis using linear mixed models, LASSO penalized regression, and generalized linear models; generalized estimating equations for PAD.
Main Results:
- Reduced ABI was associated with increased urinary titanium (Ti) and cobalt (Co) levels.
- No significant associations were found between metals and baPWV.
- Urinary Ti was inversely related to ABI in never-smokers and during winter.
- Urinary Ti exposure was associated with increased odds of PAD.
Conclusions:
- Urinary titanium (Ti) and cobalt (Co) are significantly associated with arterial stiffness, specifically reduced ABI.
- Titanium (Ti) exposure may elevate the risk of developing peripheral arterial disease (PAD).
