Sex-Based Differences in the Association between Serum Copper and Kidney Function: Evidence from NHANES 2011–2016

Abstract

Epidemiological evidence on the relationship between copper (Cu) and kidney function is rare, and few studies examine the sex differences in this association. We aimed to explore the overall and sex-based relationship between exposure to Cu and biomarkers of kidney function among 4331 participants of the 2011–2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Multiple linear regression models were fitted to examine the overall and sex-specific associations between serum Cu and the kidney function indicator-estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urinary albumin–creatinine ratio (UACR). Restricted cubic spline models (RCS) stratified by sex were performed to explore the sex-based dose–response associations. Serum Cu in the highest quartile was associated with higher levels of UACR (β = 0.203, 95% CI: 0.100 to 0.306) among overall participants. In males, there was an association of the highest Cu quartile with decreased eGFR (β = −0.023, 95% CI: −0.042 to −0.003) and increased UACR (β = 0.349, 95% CI: 0.171 to 0.527); serum Cu levels also demonstrated a negative nonlinear dose–response association with eGFR and a positive linear dose–response association with UACR in males, whereas females showed a marginally significant nonlinear positive association of eGFR with serum Cu levels. In conclusion, there were sex-specific and dose–response relationships between serum Cu and kidney function indicators. Further prospective and mechanistic studies are warranted.

Stochastic modeling of obesity status in United States adults using Markov Chains: A nationally representative analysis of population health data from 2017–2020

“…Many past obesity studies have observed age‐related weight gain in population cohorts. 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 These studies showed significant weight gain in the populations (greater than 3 kg per decade) and were found to have significant racial and sex‐based disparities. 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 What the present study contributes to the literature is a novel method for modeling obesity trends over time.…”

“…Many past obesity studies have observed age‐related weight gain in population cohorts 23–26 . These studies showed significant weight gain in the populations (greater than 3 kg per decade) and were found to have significant racial and sex‐based disparities 27–30 .…”

Sex Differences in Copper Concentrations during a Sports Season in Soccer Players

“…Similarly, García et al [ 72 ] observed higher concentrations in women in all seasons compared to men. Other authors noted that women were exposed to higher levels of Cu than men [ 73 ]. Previous authors reported that hormonal differences between sexes could influence Cu concentrations.…”

“…Endogenous hormones can affect Cu metabolism at the cellular and body level [ 74 ]. Animal studies suggest that higher estrogen levels may enhance the production of ceruloplasmin, thereby increasing Cu absorption and concentrations [ 73 ]. However, some studies that reported higher plasma and serum Cu concentrations in women also reported their taking oral contraceptives [ 15 ].…”

Fabrication of Hybrid Electrodes by Laser-Induced Forward Transfer for the Detection of Cu2+ Ions

“…Depending on the contamination pathway, they appear at detectable levels in food resources, thus contaminating humans [ 4 ]. Some heavy metals, such as copper (Cu), are known to play a vital role in physiological concentrations but can also be toxic in larger doses, i.e., Cu affects the liver and kidney [ 5 ]. In addition, copper ions are severely hazardous environmental pollutants with a toxic effect on living organisms due to their participation in producing reactive oxygen species [ 6 ].…”