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Association of Multiple Plasma Metals With Cerebral Microbleeds: A Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Based Study
Hao-Long Zeng1, Lei Zheng2,3, Ying Hui4
1Department of Laboratory Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan China.
Background:
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.
Methods:
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.
Results:
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.
Conclusions:
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.
Insights
Elevated plasma calcium, magnesium, lead, and vanadium are linked to increased risk of cerebral microbleeds (CMBs). Monitoring and limiting exposure to these metals may help prevent CMBs.
Area of Science:
- Environmental health
- Neuroscience
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Metal exposure is associated with cerebrovascular health.
- Limited population-based data exists on multiple metals and cerebral microbleeds (CMBs).
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the association between plasma metal concentrations and CMBs.
- Assess single-metal and multi-metal effects on CMBs risk.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study using META-KLS data.
- 1206 adults analyzed for 14 plasma metals and CMBs via MRI.
- Binary logistic regression and quartile g-computation models employed.
Main Results:
- Increased plasma calcium, magnesium, lead, and vanadium correlated with higher CMBs risk.
- Odds ratios (ORs) for interquartile range increments: Calcium (1.36), Magnesium (1.34), Lead (1.38), Vanadium (1.25).
- Quartile g-computation showed lead (28.6%), magnesium (8.0%), and calcium (3.6%) had significant positive effects.
Conclusions:
- Elevated plasma calcium, magnesium, lead, and vanadium may elevate CMBs risk.
- Limiting exposure and monitoring these metals could aid in CMBs prevention.
