Poster: Correlation between intake and biomarker levels of cadmium and selenium in an Italian population: implications for biomonitoring studies
- Details
- Published on Friday, 20 October 2017 10:00
Background and aim
Cadmium (Cd) is an established carcinogenic metal, while selenium (Se) is a metalloid with both nutritional and toxic effects that shows an intriguing relation with human health, particularly with cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. This characteristic depends on its concentration and on the chemical species considered. The aim of the study is to investigate, in a general population of Modena municipality, Cd and Se levels and their correlation, having a strong implication for human health and especially when performing biomonitoring studies.
Methods
Fifty participants, randomly extracted from Modena residents, completed an anamnestic and lifestyle questionnaire. The dietary habits of this population were assessed through a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire specifically designed for the central- northern Italian population within the EPIC study, in order to assess Ca and Se intake. Blood samples were analyzed to evaluate the serum concentrations of cadmium, total selenium and its chemical species.
Results
The median intake (interquartile range) estimated by the questionnaire was 13.4 μg/day (10.4-16.6) for cadmium and 92.0 μg/day (68.8-116.3) for selenium. In the current population the foods mainly contributing to cadmium intake were cereals, vegetables and sweet snacks (e.g. chocolate); while for selenium were fish, meat and cereals. Spearman’s correlation coefficient between cadmium and selenium intake was 0.88 (95% Confidence Interval 0.80 to 0.93). Serum concentrations were 0.041 μg/L (0.030-0.055) for Cd, 118.5 μg/L (109-136) for total selenium including 21.2 μg / L (8.9-34.8) for inorganic and 95.9 μg / L (80.7-108.8) for organic species. The linear correlation coefficient (beta) between cadmium (independent variable) and total selenium, inorganic and organic species, were respectively -0.43 (95% CI - 0.75 to -0.12), -0.27 (9% CI -0.63 to 0.10) and 0.14 (95% CI -0.09 to 0.36) in unadjusted model and -0.50 (95% CI -0.87 to -0.13), -0.21 (95% CI -0.62 to 0.19) and 0.09 (95% CI -0.15 to 0.33) in adjusted model for age, sex and smoking habits.
Conclusions
Our results suggest a correlation between the intake of the two elements. On the contrary, the correlation between blood levels of Cd and Se species reveals a different and more complex behavior, showing an indirect association with the inorganic Se species and a slightly positive interaction for organic Se forms.