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Analysis of Congenital Heart Defects in Mouse Embryos Using Qualitative and Quantitative Histological Methods
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Exposure to essential and non-essential trace elements and risks of congenital heart defects: A narrative review

Yipu Liang1,2, Zijian Pan1,2, Mingzheng Zhu1,3

  • 1National Center for Birth Defect Monitoring, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.

Frontiers in Nutrition
|March 31, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Essential and non-essential trace elements may play a role in congenital heart defects (CHDs). This review explores current research on trace element exposure and CHD risks, aiding in understanding and prevention.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Developmental Biology
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are structural abnormalities of the heart and major blood vessels.
  • Both genetic and environmental factors are implicated in CHD development.
  • Trace elements, essential or non-essential, are increasingly studied for their role in CHDs.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current research on the association between essential and non-essential trace element exposure and congenital heart defects.
  • To provide insights into the pathogenesis and potential prevention strategies for CHDs.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies investigating trace element exposure and CHD risks.
  • Categorization of trace elements into essential (e.g., Cu, Zn, Fe, Se, Mn) and non-essential (e.g., Cd, As, Pb, Ni, Ba, Cr, Hg).

Main Results:

  • Essential trace elements are vital for biological functions including embryonic development and oxidative stress regulation.
  • Non-essential trace elements can be detrimental to health, even at low concentrations.
  • Emerging evidence suggests a link between exposure to various trace elements and increased risk of CHDs.

Conclusions:

  • Trace element exposure is a potential contributing factor to the pathogenesis of CHDs.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate the specific roles of different trace elements in CHD development.
  • Understanding these associations may lead to novel strategies for CHD prevention.

Keywords:
cardiac developmentcongenital heart defectsenvironmental hazardsheavy metalstrace elements

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