Blood lead levels in Peruvian adults are associated with proximity to mining and DNA methylation.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Inorganic lead (Pb) is common in the environment, and is toxic to neurological, renal, and cardiovascular systems. Pb exposure influences the epigenome with documented effects on DNA methylation (DNAm). We assessed the impact of low levels of Pb exposure on DNAm among non-miner individuals from two locations in Peru: Lima, the capital, and Cerro de Pasco, a highland mining town, to study the effects of Pb exposure on physiological outcomes and DNAm.

Methods

Pb levels were measured in whole blood (n = 305). Blood leukocyte DNAm was determined for 90 DNA samples using the Illumina MethylationEPIC chip. An epigenome-wide association study was performed to assess the relationship between Pb and DNAm.

Results

Individuals from Cerro de Pasco had higher Pb than in

SUBMITTER: Childebayeva A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9903334 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature