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Cadmium and zinc concentrations in human placentas
1Institute of Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.
Central European Journal of Public Health
|October 27, 1998
Summary
Maternal age influences placental cadmium levels, with older women having higher concentrations. Zinc and cadmium levels in placenta are positively correlated, but the zinc-to-cadmium ratio decreases with maternal age.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Toxicology
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Placental accumulation of heavy metals like cadmium and zinc is a concern.
- Understanding metal concentrations in the placenta is crucial for assessing fetal exposure.
- Previous studies have reported varying levels of zinc and cadmium in placental tissues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine cadmium and zinc levels in placental tissue.
- To investigate the relationship between maternal age and placental metal concentrations.
- To explore the correlation between zinc and cadmium levels in the placenta.
Main Methods:
- Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) was used for metal analysis.
- Placental samples were collected from 688 women across three hospitals.
- Statistical analysis was performed to assess correlations and age-dependent differences.
Main Results:
- Average zinc concentration was 54.6 µg/g and cadmium was 18.02 ng/g.
- Placental cadmium levels were significantly higher in older mothers.
- A positive correlation was observed between zinc and cadmium concentrations (r = +0.13, p < 0.001).
- The zinc-to-cadmium ratio was significantly lower in older women (23.8 vs. 41.2).
Conclusions:
- Maternal age is a significant factor influencing placental cadmium accumulation.
- The observed decrease in the zinc-to-cadmium ratio in older mothers warrants further investigation.
- Findings highlight the importance of monitoring metal exposure during pregnancy.