Association of Multiple Plasma Metals With Cerebral Microbleeds: A Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Based Study

Exposure to metals in the external environment and system circulation has been linked to cerebrovascular health. However, population-based epidemiological evidence on the association between multiple metals and cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) is lacking.

We conducted a cross-sectional study using data from the META-KLS (Multi-modality Medical Imaging Study Based on Kailuan Study) to investigate the association between plasma metals and CMBs. CMBs were determined through brain magnetic resonance imaging as having ≥1 CMB lesion. Fasting plasma concentrations of 14 metals were measured. A total of 1206 adults were included in this study, with a median (interquartile range) age of 54.4 (19.2) years; 630 (52.2%) were female, and 291 (24.1%) were identified as CMBs cases. Binary logistic regression models and the quartile g-computation model were used to assess single-metal and multi-metal associations with CMBs, respectively.

After fully covariate adjustment, each interquartile range increment in plasma calcium, magnesium, lead, and vanadium was associated with higher CMBs risk. The odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs were 1.36 (1.12-1.64) for calcium, 1.34 (1.10-1.63) for magnesium, 1.38 (1.13-1.69) for lead, and 1.25 (1.06-1.47) for V. In the quartile g-computation model, lead, magnesium, and calcium exhibited significant positive effects with weights of 28.6%, 8.0%, and 3.6%, respectively.

Elevated levels of plasma calcium, magnesium, lead, and vanadium in the body may increase the risk of CMBs. Thus, limiting exposure and timely monitoring of these metals may help prevent CMBs.