Association between Copper Exposure and Cognitive Function: A Cross-Sectional Study in a County, Guangxi, China

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Neuroscience
• Toxicology

Background:

• Growing concern exists regarding copper exposure's impact on cognitive function.
• Limited research specifically addresses urinary copper levels and cognitive function, especially in Chinese adults.
• Urinary copper serves as a biomarker for recent copper exposure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between urinary copper levels and cognitive function in a Chinese adult population.
• To explore the dose-response relationship between copper exposure and the risk of cognitive impairment.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study involving 2617 participants from Guangxi, China.
• Cognitive function assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE).
• Urinary copper levels measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.
• Statistical analyses included Spearman's rank correlation, binary logistic regression, and restricted cubic spline regression.

Main Results:

• A negative correlation was observed between urinary copper levels and various cognitive domains (orientation, attention, memory, language) and total MMSE scores.
• The high copper exposure group exhibited a 58.5% increased risk of cognitive impairment (CI) compared to the low exposure group (OR = 1.585).
• A significant linear dose-response relationship was found between higher urinary copper levels and an increased risk of CI.

Conclusions:

• Elevated urinary copper levels are associated with poorer cognitive function in the studied Chinese adult population.
• Higher copper exposure may increase the risk of cognitive impairment.
• Findings highlight the potential neurotoxic effects of copper and suggest the need for monitoring and intervention strategies.