Cancer Risk of Inhalation Exposure to Cd, Cr, As, Be and Ni in Ambient Air

Particulate matter may comprise toxic trace elements with carcinogenic effects. Of these trace elements, Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Arsenic (As), Beryllium (Be) and Nickel (Ni) are classified as probable human carcinogens. During the annual Hajj pilgrimage, 2.3 million pilgrims stay in Makkah, Saudi Arabia;the increased vehicle traffic contributes to elevated concentrations of particulate matter. We aimed to determine the excess cancer risk (ECR) associated with inhalation exposure in the Makkah population. This study was conducted in the Arafat area, which is a highly-crowded area during Hajj. Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used for trace element analysis. ECR resulting from inhalation exposure to each metal was calculated in accordance with the unit risk suggested by the Integrated Risk Information System. In summer, including Hajj, mean Cd, Cr, As, Be, and Ni atmospheric concentrations were 0.098, 0.008, 0.26, 0.03, and 0.012 μg/m3, respectively;in autumn, values were 0.06, 0.006, 0.16, 0.002, and 0.01 μg/m3, respectively. ECRs were 1.08 × 10&#87224, 7.21 × 10&#87224, 4.0 × 10&#87226, 4.6 × 10&#87226, and 2.4 × 10&#87226, respectively, exceeding the acceptable inhalation risk level (1.0 × 10&#87226) set by the US Environmental Protection Agency for each element. Higher atmospheric trace element concentrations in summer were due to high temperatures that increased atmospheric turbulence, leading to a greater amount of re-suspended dust from roads and blowing sand particles. These findings can be used by relevant authorities while developing regulations and strategies for developing air quality management to improve the health of pilgrims;however, larger prospective studies are required to estimate ECR in different seasons.

Variations of Hair Trace Element Contents in Diabetic Females

Background: Alterations of trace elements, could induce metabolic disorders as they forthwith participating in the metabolic pathways and play different roles modulating it as well as many enzymes require trace elements for their activation and functions. Of these elements, selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) and manganese (Mn) have been recognized as essentials for metabolism. Hyperglycemia and diabetes mellitus are important causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide, and their global prevalence are growing from 2.8% in 2000 projecting to be 4.4% in 2030. Diabetes is prevalent in Saudi Arabia with high incidence in urbanized areas and its prevalence is estimated to expand 3 times by 2030. Patients and Methods: In total, 75 diabetic women and 80 aberrantly healthy women were recruited. Clinical and familial history was recorded. Hair Se, Zn, Cu and Mn levels were analyzed as well as fasting blood sugar (FBS), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Results: Our findings revealed a marked decrease of Zn and Mn levels in diabetic women hair compared to control group (p < 0.05, p <0.005 respectively). Otherwise, Se and Cu levels were significantly elevated in hair of diabetic patients (p < 0.005, p <0.05 respectively). Conclusion: Diabetes may disrupt the trace elements balance as well as their alterations can affect glucose metabolism and insulin action. Chronic hyperglycemia can cause disturbance of some trace elements which, in turn, can modulate glucose homeostasis. The metabolic dysregulation occurring in hyperglycemia may influence trace element status by increasing excretion, diminishing availability or redistribution of trace elements among different body pools. Hair trace elements can be useful long-term markers for metabolic disturbance;however, larger prospective studies are required to validate their role in diagnosis and follow up applications.