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Abnormal erythrocyte-related parameters in children with Pb, Cr, Cu and Zn exposure

Zhuxia Zhang1, Bo Xie1, Qi Zhong1,2

  • 1Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, College of Environment and Climate, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 511443, Guangdong, China.

Biometals : an International Journal on the Role of Metal Ions in Biology, Biochemistry, and Medicine
|August 17, 2024
PubMed

Insights

This study reveals that combined exposure to heavy metals like copper, zinc, lead, and chromium is linked to anemia in children. Interactions between these metals significantly impact red blood cell parameters, suggesting complex mechanisms in metal-induced anemia.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Pediatric Hematology
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • The link between single heavy metal exposure and anemia is known, but evidence on combined exposure in children is limited.
  • Children are particularly vulnerable to environmental toxicants due to their developing physiological systems.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between combined exposure to multiple heavy metal(loid)s and anemia-related parameters in children.
  • To explore the interactions between different heavy metals and their impact on hematological indices.

Main Methods:

  • Recruited 266 children aged 3-7 from Guiyu, China.
  • Measured blood heavy metal(loid) concentrations using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS).
  • Assessed hematological parameters including hemoglobin, MCH, MCV, MCHC using an automated hematology analyzer and analyzed data with Spearman correlation, multiple linear regression, and Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR).

Main Results:

  • Erythrocyte parameters showed negative correlations with copper (Cu) and Cu/Zn ratios, and positive correlations with chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), and selenium (Se).
  • Blood Cu levels were negatively associated with hemoglobin (HGB), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC).
  • BKMR models indicated negative correlations between combined exposure to Cu, Zn, lead (Pb), and Cr with MCH and MCV, with significant interactions noted between Cu and Zn, Pb and Zn, and Cr and Zn.

Conclusions:

  • Combined exposure to multiple heavy metals, particularly Cu, Zn, Pb, and Cr, is associated with reduced MCH and MCV in children.
  • Oxidation and/or antioxidation reactions likely play a role in the development of metal(loid)-induced anemia.
  • Further research into the interrelationships and mechanisms of co-exposure to multiple heavy metals is crucial for understanding anemia risk.

Keywords:
BKMRChildE-wasteErythrocyte-related parametersMetal(loid)s

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