Evaluation of different types of arsenic methylation and its relationship with metabolic syndrome in an area chronically exposed to arsenic

Abstract

Evidence suggests that the relationship between arsenic metabolism and diseases, including metabolic syndrome, is complex. The aim of this study was to evaluate the different types of arsenic methylation and its association with metabolic syndrome in an arsenic endemic area. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 132 subjects from Shahid-Abad Village, Qazvin province, Iran (arsenic endemic area). Demographic characteristics, metabolic syndrome, and urinary arsenic species, including iAs (inorganic arsenic), MMA (monomethylarsonic acid), and DMA (dimethylarsinic acid) were measured for all patients and their relationship was analyzed by appropriate statistical methods. In this study, 34.5% of the participants had metabolic syndrome. The decrease in %MMA, increase in %DMA and increase in secondary methylation index (DMA/MMA) were associated with increased risk of metabolic syndrome (p<0.05). We did not find any association between the incidence of metabolic syndrome with primary methylation index (MMA/iAs) and %iAs (p>0.05). This study showed that the prevalence of metabolic syndrome was significantly higher in people with metabolic syndrome than in the general population. A closer examination revealed that the secondary methylation index is related to the metabolic syndrome and its components. Given the higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease and diabetes in patients with metabolic syndrome, it is necessary to change the pathogenesis of the disease using comprehensive management methods for decreasing patient complications.

Update of the risk assessment of inorganic arsenic in food

“…Two cross‐sectional studies and two follow‐up studies investigated the associations between iAs and metabolic syndrome (Chen et al., 2012 ; Kazemifar et al., 2020 ; Pace et al., 2018 ; Spratlen et al., 2018 ). A cross‐sectional study from Iran did not find associations between urinary concentrations of iAs and metabolic syndromes (Kazemifar et al., 2020 ).…”

“…Two cross‐sectional studies and two follow‐up studies investigated the associations between iAs and metabolic syndrome (Chen et al., 2012 ; Kazemifar et al., 2020 ; Pace et al., 2018 ; Spratlen et al., 2018 ). A cross‐sectional study from Iran did not find associations between urinary concentrations of iAs and metabolic syndromes (Kazemifar et al., 2020 ). However, increased MMA% was associated with decreased occurrence of metabolic syndrome whereas increased DMA% was associated with increased occurrence of metabolic syndrome.…”

The Folic Acid and Creatine Trial: Treatment Effects of Supplementation on Arsenic Methylation Indices and Metabolite Concentrations in Blood in a Bangladeshi Population

“…Arsenic exposure affects all organ systems, and chronic As exposure is associated with numerous adverse health effects, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes and diabetes-related outcomes, skin lesions (i.e., melanosis, leukomelanosis, and keratosis), impaired intellectual function, and cancers (e.g., bladder, lung, skin cancers). 5 – 7 Arsenic metabolism may modify disease risk. Ingested inorganic As (InAs) undergoes a series of reduction and oxidative methylation reactions.…”

Is Arsenic Exposure a Risk Factor for Metabolic Syndrome? A Review of the Potential Mechanisms

“…Chronic exposure to low levels of arsenic through drinking water is the primary source of exposure associated with the development of different forms of cancer, T2D, cardiovascular diseases and MS ( 11 ). Exposure to arsenic has been linked with MS in several populations ( 14 – 16 ). Still, the precise mechanisms that are triggered by arsenic to contribute to the development of MS remain poorly explored.…”