Blood Trihalomethane Concentrations and Osteoarthritis among U.S. Population Aged over 50 Years

Abstract

Exposure to trihalomethanes (THMs) has been associated with inflammation and oxidative stress, which are implicated in osteoarthritis. However, the association of THM exposure with osteoarthritis is unknown. Therefore, we pooled seven independent National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey cycles (1999−2012) among participants aged over 50 years who had quantified blood concentrations of chloroform (TCM), bromodichloromethane (BDCM), dibromochloromethane (DBCM), and bromoform (TBM). Among 4,077 adults aged over 50 years, 781 (21.3%) reported osteoarthritis. Logistic regression models showed increased odds of osteoarthritis across the categories of blood BDCM, DBCM, and brominated THM (Br-THM, which was the sum of BDCM, DBCM, and TBM) concentrations [odds ratios = 1.46 (95% CI 1.09−1.94), 1.53 (95% CI 1.15−2.04), and 1.35 (95% CI 0.97−1.88), respectively], comparing highest versus lowest exposure categories (quartiles or tertiles). Additionally, we found positive dose−response relationships between blood BDCM, DBCM, and Br-THM concentrations and serum markers of oxidative stress (i.e., gammaglutamyltransferase). In summary, blood Br-THM concentrations were associated with elevated serum levels of gammaglutamyltransferase as well as an increased risk of osteoarthritis among U.S. adults aged over 50 years. However, more prospective population studies are needed to verify these findings and explore the underlying mechanisms.

Exposure to Trihalomethanes and Bone Mineral Density in US Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study (NHANES)

“…In a case-control human study, McMaster et al reported that early life introduction to indoor heated swimming pools was associated with a greater risk of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, which is a spinal deformity in the sagittal plane observed at or around puberty . In our recent study, we found positive associations between blood concentrations of BDCM, DBCM, and Br-THMs and the risk of osteoarthritis among NHANES adults aged over 50 years . Our present work is the first population-based study to explore the associations of THM exposure with adolescent BMD.…”

“…Humans are ubiquitously exposed to DBPs through various water-use activities such as drinking water, showering or bathing, and swimming . Previous evidence for animals and humans has suggested DBP toxicity to the bone, as manifested by abnormal curvature of the thoracic spine, as well as increased risk of idiopathic scoliosis and osteoarthritis. , Nevertheless, no studies have explored the association between DBP exposure and BMD among adolescents. Given that trihalomethanes (THMs) account for the highest proportion of more than 600 identified DBPs in disinfected water, , we examined the association between THM concentrations in blood and tap water and BMD among adolescents in a nationally representative sample from the United States (US).…”