Hair Lead, Aluminum, and Other Toxic Metals in Normal-Weight and Obese Patients with Coronary Heart Disease

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to evaluate hair toxic metal levels in patients with obesity and/or coronary heart disease (CHD). Following a 2 × 2 factorial design, subjects without CHD were grouped into normal weight control (n = 123) and obese groups (n = 140). Patients suffering from CHD were divided into normal weight (n = 180) and obese CHD subjects (n = 240). Hair Al, As, Cd, Hg, Ni, and Pb levels were evaluated using inductively-coupled plasma mass-spectrometry. The data demonstrate that hair Al and Hg levels were higher in obese subjects as compared to normal weight controls. Normal weight CHD patients were characterized by significantly higher hair Al, As, Cd, and Pb levels when compared to healthy subjects. The highest hair Al, As, and Pb levels were observed in obese CHD patients, significantly exceeding the respective values in other groups. Factorial analysis revealed significant influence of factorial interaction (CHD*obesity) only for hair Pb content. Given the role of obesity as a risk factor for CHD, it is proposed that increased toxic metal accumulation in obesity may promote further development of cardiovascular diseases.

Disturbed Ratios between Essential and Toxic Trace Elements as Potential Biomarkers of Acute Ischemic Stroke

“…The impact of metal pollutants on obesity has been demonstrated through their modulation of adipogenesis and the functioning of adipose tissue [ 54 ]. Furthermore, various studies have linked multiple exposures to metals to coronary heart disease and obesity [ 101 , 102 ]. Furthermore, a compilation of metal exposures (Pd, Cd, Hg, As) has been shown to be related to obesity and its associated conditions, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension [ 103 ].…”

Neuron Protection by EDTA May Explain the Successful Outcomes of Toxic Metal Chelation Therapy in Neurodegenerative Diseases

“…Indeed, Cd, As, and Pb may promote hemorrhagic injury, pathogenic remodeling, and metabolic changes of this complex system, which require interaction of the endothelium with smooth muscle cells as well as the immune and nervous systems [ 46 ], and have been shown to be cardiovascular risk factors [ 47 , 48 ]. Moreover, elevated TM levels in the hair of obese patients are associated with cardiovascular complications [ 49 ]. Finally, chronic exposure to Hg was associated with an increased risk of fatal/nonfatal ischemic heart disease [ 50 ].…”