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Association between Pb, Cd, and Hg Exposure and Liver Injury among Korean Adults

Author

Listed:
  • Do-Won Kim

    (Environmental Health Research Division, National institute of Environmental Research, Ministry of Environment, Incheon 22689, Korea
    BK21 FOUR R & E Center for Learning Health System, Department of Health and Environmental Science, Korea University, Anam-ro 145, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Korea)

  • Jeongwon Ock

    (Environmental Health Research Division, National institute of Environmental Research, Ministry of Environment, Incheon 22689, Korea)

  • Kyong-Whan Moon

    (BK21 FOUR R & E Center for Learning Health System, Department of Health and Environmental Science, Korea University, Anam-ro 145, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Korea)

  • Choong-Hee Park

    (Environmental Health Research Division, National institute of Environmental Research, Ministry of Environment, Incheon 22689, Korea)

Abstract

Background: Exposure to lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg) has been reported to be associated with liver-related diseases. However, studies examining the association between heavy metal exposure and liver injury in a large population are scant and characterized by inconsistent results. This study aimed to evaluate the association between levels of heavy metal exposure and liver injury in the general population. Methods: Data for 2953 participants aged 19 years or more obtained from the Korean National Environmental Health Survey (KoNEHS) Cycle 3 (2015–2017) were used. The associations between levels of blood or urine heavy metals (Pb, Cd, and Hg) and liver function biomarkers [aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT)] were evaluated using multiple linear regression analysis. Results: Regarding the blood Pb (BPb), AST was higher in those of the 4th quartile, ALT was higher in those of the 2nd and 4th quartiles, and GGT was higher in those of the 3rd and 4th quartiles than in the 1st quartile. For urinary Cd (UCd), AST was higher in those of the 4th quartile; ALT was higher in those of the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th quartiles; and GGT was higher in the 4th quartile than in the 1st quartile. For the blood Hg (BHg), AST was higher in those of the 2nd and 4th quartile, ALT was higher in those of the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th quartiles; and GGT was higher in those of the 3rd and 4th quartiles than in the 1st quartile. There was no significant difference between urinary Hg (UHg) and liver function markers. Conclusion: Heavy metal exposure showed an association with liver injury among the general adult population in Korea. Further studies are required to clarify the relationship between heavy metals and liver injury.

Suggested Citation

  • Do-Won Kim & Jeongwon Ock & Kyong-Whan Moon & Choong-Hee Park, 2021. "Association between Pb, Cd, and Hg Exposure and Liver Injury among Korean Adults," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(13), pages 1-12, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:13:p:6783-:d:581399
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    Cited by:

    1. Do-won Kim & Jeongwon Ock & Kyong-Whan Moon & Choong-Hee Park, 2022. "Association between Heavy Metal Exposure and Dyslipidemia among Korean Adults: From the Korean National Environmental Health Survey, 2015–2017," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(6), pages 1-12, March.

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