Heart Failure and PAHs, OHPAHs, and Trace Elements Levels in Human Serum: Results from a Preliminary Pilot Study in Greek Population and the Possible Impact of Air Pollution

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have been associated with environmental pollutants. The scope of this study is to assess any potential relation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), their hydroxylated derivatives, and trace elements with heart failure via their direct determination in human serum of Greek citizens residing in different areas. Therefore, we analyzed 131 samples including cases (heart failure patients) and controls (healthy donors), and the respective demographic data were collected. Significantly higher concentrations (p < 0.05) were observed in cases’ serum regarding most of the examined PAHs and their derivatives with phenanthrene, fluorene, and fluoranthene being the most abundant (median of >50 μg L−1). Among the examined trace elements, As, Cd, Cu, Hg, Ni, and Pb were measured at statistically higher concentrations (p < 0.05) in cases’ samples, with only Cr being significantly higher in controls. The potential impact of environmental factors such as smoking and area of residence has been evaluated. Specific PAHs and trace elements could be possibly related with heart failure development. Atmospheric degradation and smoking habit appeared to have a significant impact on the analytes’ serum concentrations. PCA–logistic regression analysis could possibly reveal common mechanisms among the analytes enhancing the hypothesis that they may pose a significant risk for CVD development.

Inhibition of the hERG potassium channel by phenanthrene: a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon pollutant

“…Such data are suggestive of quite high concentrations in subpopulations who, through occupational risk, are exposed routinely to high levels of PAHs. Moreover, a recent comparison of serum phenanthrene levels in Greek citizens found increased levels in those with heart failure (231 µg/L; ~ 1.3 µM) compared to those without heart failure (56.5 µg/L; 314 nM) [ 60 ]. Thus, it is likely to be those with high PAH exposure and/or those with pre-existing cardiovascular morbidity who will be most susceptible to adverse reactions to phenanthrene.…”

Global Air Pollutant Phenanthrene and Arrhythmic Outcomes in a Mouse Model

“…A recent study in Greece found 2-fold higher levels of Phe compared with all other PAHs in human serum ( , Phe). 40 Interestingly, these authors found urban vs. rural residence had a greater impact on circulating Phe levels than smoking status. Patients with heart failure in that study had mean serum levels of compared with levels ranging from in control participants, suggesting a link between Phe serum concentration and heart failure incidence.…”

“…Patients with heart failure in that study had mean serum levels of compared with levels ranging from in control participants, suggesting a link between Phe serum concentration and heart failure incidence. 40 The maximum concentration of serum Phe found in patients with heart failure was . Similar concentrations have been found in human urine analysis of road pavers and coke plant workers ( ).…”

Cuproptosis, the novel therapeutic mechanism for heart failure: a narrative review

“…In HF patients, micronutrient deficiencies such as zinc and selenium are prevalent, but copper concentrations are generally elevated (61,62). Tables 2-4 show the status of copper (12,13,(63)(64)(65)(66)(67)(68), zinc (13,(63)(64)(65)69), and selenium (63,(69)(70)(71)(72)(73) in observational studies of HF patients, respectively. A meta-analysis based on 13 studies (1,504 participants) showed that high serum copper was significantly associated with HF (10), and other research has shown that high copper concentrations are associated with mortality and morbidity in HF (11,66).…”