The relationship between occupational metal exposure and arterial compliance.
BACKGROUND
The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between cumulative occupational exposure to various metals and arterial compliance in welders.


METHODS
The observational follow-up study consisted of 25 subjects. Levels of nickel (Ni), lead, cadmium, manganese, and arsenic from toenails were assessed using mass spectrometry. Arterial compliance as reflected by augmentation index (AIx) was measured using SphygmoCor Px Pulse Wave Analysis System. Linear regression models were used to assess the associations.


RESULTS
For every 1 unit increase in log-transformed toenail Ni, there was a statistically significant 5.68 (95% confidence interval, 1.38 to 9.98; P = 0.01) unit increase in AIx. No significant associations were found between AIx and lead, cadmium, manganese, and arsenic.


CONCLUSIONS
Cumulative Ni exposure is associated with increased arterial stiffness in welders and may increase risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes.
From the Division of Endocrinology, Gerontology, and Metabolism, Stanford University School of Medicine (Dr Wong); Veterans' Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System (Dr Wong), Calif; New England Research Institute (Dr Fang), Watertown; Department of Environmental Health (Drs Fang, Grashow, Fan, and Christiani), Harvard School of Public Health; Department of Medicine (Dr Christiani), Harvard Medical School-Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston; Adheris Health (Dr Fan), Burlington, Mass.
Jason Y Y
JY
Wong
Shona C
SC
Fang
Rachel
R
Grashow
Tianteng
T
Fan
David C
DC
Christiani
D000328:Adult; D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational / Q000032:analysis / Q000633:toxicity*; D001151:Arsenic / Q000032:analysis / Q000633:toxicity*; D003187:Compliance; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D019216:Metals, Heavy / Q000032:analysis / Q000633:toxicity*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009262:Nails / Q000737:chemistry; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis; D011446:Prospective Studies; D059289:Vascular Stiffness / Q000187:drug effects*
D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational; D019216:Metals, Heavy; D001151:Arsenic