Quaternary Ammonium Compound Induced Electrocardiogram Abnormalities with Body Fat as a Potential Effect Modifier: A...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Cardiology
• Toxicology

Background:

• Limited evidence exists on quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) and cardiac function at the population level.
• Mechanistic insights into QAC cardiotoxicity are largely unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between QAC exposure and electrocardiogram (ECG) parameters in a healthy elderly population.
• To explore potential biomolecular mechanisms underlying QAC-induced cardiac electrophysiological dysfunction.

Main Methods:

• Longitudinal panel study with 76 healthy elderly participants over five months.
• Integrated epidemiological data (questionnaires, physical exams) with multiomics analyses.
• Assessed correlations between 9 QACs and 5 ECG parameters using linear mixed-effects models and causal inference tests.

Main Results:

• Benzyltrimethylammonium bromide (BTMAC) and diallyldimethylammonium chloride (DAD) associated with prolonged QRS time.
• Dimethyldioctylammonium bromide (C8-DDAC) linked to increased QT/QTc intervals and altered QRS time.
• Higher body fat attenuated adverse cardiac effects, suggesting a protective role.

Conclusions:

• First population-based evidence linking specific QACs to cardiotoxicity and ECG alterations.
• Identified potential signaling pathways (TP53, NAP1L1, DYRK1A, PPARα) involved in QAC-induced cardiac dysfunction.
• Findings support targeted strategies for mitigating environmentally induced cardiovascular risks.