Microcystins and Daily Sunlight: Predictors of Chronic Liver Disease and Cirrhosis Mortality

Abstract

Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) may rapidly propagate under favorable conditions, forming dense algal blooms. As blooms deteriorate, blue-green algae can generate potent toxins, potentially harmful to companion animals, wildlife, and even humans. One widely recognized cyanobacterial toxin is microcystin. This algal toxin has been implicated in surface waters globally, increasing liver cancer and/or disease risk amongst those who depend on sources prone to microcystin contamination. Interestingly, no study looked at weather conditions when connecting liver health outcomes to freshwater cyanotoxins. The purpose of this study was to determine if climate was an important determinant of liver mortality and total microcystins at the ecological level. Secondary data was used to evaluate the proposed hypothesis. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to analyze the relationship between climate exposure variables, total microcystins, and age-adjusted chronic liver disease and cirrhosis death rates. Mean daily sunlight and total microcystins were significant predictors of age-adjusted chronic liver disease and cirrhosis death rates (p<0.05). Mean annual precipitation (p=0.156) and mean daily max temperature (p=0.149) were statistically insignificant. This study demonstrated how microcystins in combination with climate may increase liver mortality.The results can prompt others to study environmental exposures of terminal liver diseases, guiding environmental health and the water industry of human survival needs.

The negative bidirectional interaction between climate change and the prevalence and care of liver disease: A joint BSG, BASL, EASL, and AASLD commentary

“…23 Results of recent work suggest that increased microcystin concentrations as a result of adverse weather conditions may contribute to an increase in liver disease mortality in the United States. 24…”

The Negative Bidirectional Interaction Between Climate Change and the Prevalence and Care of Liver Disease: A Joint BSG, BASL, EASL, and AASLD Commentary

“…23 Results of recent work suggest that increased microcystin concentrations as a result of adverse weather conditions may contribute to an increase in liver disease mortality in the United States. 24 Waterborne infections, including viral hepatitis. The climate crisis is causing flooding and coastal erosion around the globe, which exacerbates waterborne infections, including epidemics of hepatitis A and E. Flooding and agricultural disruption contribute to increased human migration.…”