Long-Term Effect of Early-Life Arsenic Exposure on Morning Plasma Cortisol in Adults from Antofagasta, Chile.

ABSTRACT: Over 100,000 people were exposed to arsenic-contaminated drinking water in Antofagasta, Chile from 1958-1970. Individuals born during this high exposure period have elevated rates of cancer, lung and cardiovascular disease, and hypertension. However, the mechanisms of long-term arsenic toxicity remain unclear. We investigated whether early-life arsenic exposure was associated with altered glucocorticoid levels in adulthood. This study included 114 individuals born in Antofagasta during the high exposure period and 118 individuals born elsewhere. Arsenic exposure metrics were constructed based on residential histories and included: concentration at birth, peak and highest 5-year average between ages 0-10 years, and highest lifetime 5-year average, and lifetime cumulative exposure. Morning p

SUBMITTER: de la Rosa R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12424923 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature