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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Are fingernail lead levels a reliable biomarker of lead internal dose?

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Author(s):
Olympio, K. P. K. [1] ; Ferreira, A. P. S. S. [1] ; Rodrigues, M. H. C. [2] ; Luz, M. S. [3] ; Albuquerque, L. G. R. [4, 5] ; Barbosa, Jr F. ; Cardoso, M. R. A. [6] ; Oliveira, V, P. ; Buzalaf, M. A. R. [2]
Total Authors: 9
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Saude Publ, Dept Saude Ambiental, Av Dr Arnaldo 715, BR-01246904 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil
[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Odontol Bauru, Dept Ciencias Biol, Alameda Otavio Pinheiro Brisolla 9-75, BR-17012901 Bauru, SP - Brazil
[3] Inst Pesquisas Tecnol Estado Sao Paulo IPT, Ctr Tecnol Met & Mat, Lab Proc Met CTMM LPM, Av Prof Almeida Prado, 532, Cidade Univ, BR-05508901 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil
[4] V, Univ Sao Paulo, Inst Quim, Dept Quim Fundamental, Av Prof Lineu Prestes, 748, Cidade Univ, BR-01246904 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil
[5] Idaho Natl Lab, Analyt Lab, POB 1625, MS 6140, Idaho Falls, ID 83415 - USA
[6] Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Saude Publ, Dept Epidemiol, Av Dr Arnaldo 715, BR-01246904 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 6
Document type: Journal article
Source: JOURNAL OF TRACE ELEMENTS IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY; v. 62, DEC 2020.
Web of Science Citations: 0
Abstract

Background: Potentially toxic elements, such as lead, can bioaccumulate and alter human physiology. Human biomonitoring is an essential tool to evaluate chemical exposures in different biological matrices (blood, urine, saliva, nails, and hair). Of these biological matrices, nails are favorable for their ease of sampling, transport and storage. The aim of this study was to investigate possible correlations between blood lead levels (BLL) and washed and non-washed fingernail lead levels (FLL) in 55 adults living in a lead-contaminated area. Method: Venous blood and fingernail (thumbs and forefingers) samples were collected. Nails from the left hand were washed with Triton X-100 (0.5 % m/v) and HNO3 solution, while nails from the right hand were not submitted to the pre-analytical procedures. Samples were analyzed by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry, and pairwise correlations were used to correlate lead concentrations between BLL and FLL; nails from fingers of the same hand and between washed and unwashed fingernails. Principal component analysis was performed and scatter diagrams were plotted to investigate correlations. Results: A non-significant positive correlation was found between BLL and washed forefinger nails lead (r = 0.219, p = 0.112) and between BLL and thumbnail lead levels (r = 0.182, p = 0.191). Comparison of fingernails from the same hand (thumb and forefinger), showed that lead concentrations of non-washed nails varied widely, even on analyses of transversal fragments from the same nail. Lead levels in non-washed forefinger nails were not correlated with non-washed thumbnails (r = 0.169, p = 0.219). Conversely, washed thumb and forefinger nails were found to be correlated (r = 0.39, p = 0.003). Washed and non-washed nails were also found to be correlated (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: In conclusion, the results showed that non-washed nails are not a reliable biomarker for lead exposure. Although washing nails before analysis may reduce external contamination, the correlation of lead concentrations between fingers is poor for fingernail lead levels to serve as an internal dose biomarker to lead exposure. In addition, levels in washed nails were not significantly correlated with blood lead levels. Fingernail lead levels seem to serve as an indicator of lead exposure sources in contact with the individual, but not as a reliable biomarker of internal dose. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 16/11087-8 - From exposome up to Regulatory Toxicology: a thematic study on potentially toxic elements (PTEs) exposure of families inserted in informal productive arrangement in the jewelry and fashion jewelry chain from Limeira, SP
Grantee:Kelly Polido Kaneshiro Olympio
Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
FAPESP's process: 11/13076-0 - Lead exposure in São Paulo: blood levels in preschool children and risk factors associated
Grantee:Kelly Polido Kaneshiro Olympio
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral