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Manganese body burden in children is associated with reduced visual motor and attention skills
Lonnie Sears1, John V Myers2, Clara G Sears3
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA..
Abstract:
Manganese (Mn) is an essential element, however, children with moderate to high Mn exposure can exhibit neurobehavioral impairments. One way Mn appears to affect brain function is through altering dopaminergic systems involved with motor and cognitive control including frontal - striatal brain systems. Based on the risk for motor and attention problems, we evaluated neurobehavioral function in 255 children at risk for Mn exposure due to living in proximity to coal ash storage sites. Proton Induced X-ray Emissions (PIXE) analysis was conducted on finger and toenails samples. Multiple neuropsychological tests were completed with the children. Fifty-five children had Mn concentrations above the limit of detection (LOD) (median concentration = 3.95 ppm). Children with detectable Mn concentrations had reduced visual motor skills (β = -5.62, CI: -9.11, -2.12, p = 0.008) and more problems with sustained attention, based on incorrect responses on a computerized attention test, (β = 0.40, CI: 0.21, 0.59, p < 0.001) compared with children who had Mn concentrations below the LOD. Findings suggest that Mn exposure impacts attention and motor control possibly due to neurotoxicity involving basal ganglia and forebrain regions. Visual-motor and attention tests may provide a sensitive measure of Mn neurotoxicity, useful for evaluating the effects of exposure in children and leading to better treatment options.
Insights
Children exposed to manganese (Mn) showed impaired visual motor skills and attention deficits. This study highlights potential neurotoxicity from environmental manganese exposure in children living near coal ash sites.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Neuroscience
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Manganese (Mn) is essential but can cause neurobehavioral impairments in children with high exposure.
- Mn may affect brain function by altering dopaminergic systems, impacting motor and cognitive control.
- Frontal-striatal brain systems are implicated in Mn-related neurotoxicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate neurobehavioral function in children at risk for Mn exposure.
- To assess the relationship between Mn concentrations and neurobehavioral outcomes.
- To identify potential environmental sources of Mn exposure.
Main Methods:
- Proton Induced X-ray Emissions (PIXE) analysis of fingernail and toenail samples to measure Mn concentrations.
- Neuropsychological testing of 255 children residing near coal ash storage sites.
- Comparison of neurobehavioral function between children with detectable and undetectable Mn levels.
Main Results:
- Fifty-five children had detectable Mn concentrations (median 3.95 ppm).
- Children with detectable Mn showed reduced visual motor skills (p=0.008).
- Increased attention problems, specifically more incorrect responses on a computerized attention test, were observed in children with detectable Mn (p<0.001).
Conclusions:
- Environmental manganese exposure is associated with neurobehavioral impairments in children.
- Mn exposure may negatively impact attention and motor control, potentially via neurotoxicity in basal ganglia and forebrain.
- Visual-motor and attention tests are sensitive indicators of Mn neurotoxicity in children.
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