• 한국환경보건학회지
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• 제45권5호
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• pp.541-555
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• 2019

Objectives: The aim of this study is to examine heavy metal exposure levels in the blood and urine of a nationally representative adult population in Korea, and to identify the major influence factors for exposure through linkage analysis using questionnaire data. Methods: Biological samples and questionnaire data were collected from adults aged 18 and over who had participated in the Korean National Environmental Health Survey from 2009 to 2017. Lead, mercury, and cadmium exposure levels were presented with geometric mean and 95th percentiles. Multiple regression analysis was performed to determine the factors affecting heavy metal concentrations. Results: Blood lead levels increased slightly in Cycle 2 compared to Cycle 1, but decreased in Cycle 3. Blood and urinary mercury and urinary cadmium levels decreased over time. The main influence factors included gender, age, and smoking status for blood lead levels; gender, age, and intake of fish at least once a week for blood mercury levels; and age for urinary cadmium levels. Conclusion: The Korean National Environmental Health Survey is an effective tool for confirming over-time changes in exposure to lead, mercury, and cadmium in Korean adults and to identify its influence factors. The results of this study are expected to present basic data for calculating reference values and baseline exposure levels for environmental chemicals in Korean adults.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• 제10권4호
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• pp.442-447
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• 2016

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: College students are in a period of transition from adolescence to adulthood, in which proper dietary habits and balanced nutritional intake are very important. However, improper dietary habits and lifestyles can bring several health problems. This study was performed to investigate blood lipid profiles, blood aluminum and mercury in college students and the relationships among them. SUBJECTS/METHODS: The subjects were 80 college students (43 males and 37 females) in Gyeonggi-do. General characteristics, anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, blood lipids, SGOT, SGPT, and blood aluminum and mercury of the subjects were measured and analyzed, and their relationship was studied. RESULTS: The BMI was significantly higher in males, $23.69{\pm}3.20kg/m^2$, than in females, $20.38{\pm}2.37kg/m^2$ (P < 0.001). The blood pressure was significantly higher in males with $128.93{\pm}12.92mmHg$ systolic pressure and $77.14{\pm}10.31mmHg$ diastolic pressure compared to females with $109.78{\pm}11.97mmHg$ and $65.95{\pm}6.92mmHg$, respectively (P < 0.001). HDL cholesterol in males, $61.88{\pm}13.06mg/dl$, was lower than $64.73{\pm}12.16mg/dl$ in females, but other blood lipid levels were higher in males. Blood aluminum was significantly higher in males, $9.12{\pm}2.11{\mu}g/L$, than in females, $8.03{\pm}2.14{\mu}g/L$ (P < 0.05), and blood mercury was higher in males, $3.08{\pm}1.55{\mu}g/L$, than in females, $2.64{\pm}1.49{\mu}g/L$. The blood lipids showed positive correlation with obesity and blood pressure. CONCLUSIONS: The degree of obesity, blood pressure, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol were higher in males, suggesting possible association with chronic disease incidence such as hyperlipidemia and hypertension. Thus, it is considered that a systematic health education is needed for college students, especially for males.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• 제50권6호
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• pp.377-385
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• 2017

Objectives: Although mercury (Hg) exposure is known to be neurotoxic in humans, its effects on liver function have been less often reported. The aim of this study was to investigate whether total Hg exposure in Korean adults was associated with elevated serum levels of the liver enzymes aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT). Methods: We repeatedly examined the levels of total Hg and liver enzymes in the blood of 508 adults during 2010-2011 and 2014-2015. Cross-sectional associations between levels of blood Hg and liver enzymes were analyzed using a generalized linear model, and nonlinear relationships were analyzed using a generalized additive mixed model. Generalized estimating equations were applied to examine longitudinal associations, considering the correlations of individuals measured repeatedly. Results: GGT increased by 11.0% (95% confidence interval [CI], 4.5 to 18.0%) in women and 8.1% (95% CI, -0.5 to 17.4%) in men per doubling of Hg levels, but AST and ALT were not significantly associated with Hg in either men or women. In women who drank more than 2 or 3 times per week, AST, ALT, and GGT levels increased by 10.6% (95% CI, 4.2 to 17.5%), 7.7% (95% CI, 1.1 to 14.7%), and 37.5% (95% CI,15.2 to 64.3%) per doubling of Hg levels, respectively, showing an interaction between blood Hg levels and drinking. Conclusions: Hg exposure was associated with an elevated serum concentration of GGT. Especially in women who were frequent drinkers, AST, ALT, and GGT showed a significant increase, with a significant synergistic effect of Hg and alcohol consumption.

• 농촌의학ㆍ지역보건
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• 제37권4호
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• pp.223-232
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• 2012

본 연구는 직업적으로 수은에 노출되지 않는 일반 인구 군에서 생선 섭취량과 혈중 수은 농도 사이의 관련성을 파악하기 위하여 수행되었다. 이를 위하여 부산광역시 2개 동과 남해군 3개 마을에 거주하는 사람들 중 본 연구 참여에 동의한 484(남자: 134명, 여자: 350명)명을 최종 연구대상으로 하였다. 설문조사는 2009년 6월 말부터 7월초까지 연구 참여 희망자들을 대상으로 훈련된 조사자가 면접설문조사를 실시하였다. 설문 조사의 주요 내용은 성별, 연령, 학력, 결혼상태, 직업, 현재 흡연 여부, 현재 음주 여부, 일주일간 생선 섭취량, 아말감 치료, 거주지역 등이었다. 단변량 분석에서 성별, 나이, 결혼상태, 현재 음주 여부, 일주일간의 생선 섭취량, 그리고 거주지역이 혈중 수은 농도와 유의한 관련성이 있었다. 혈중 수은 농도를 종속 변수로 한 다중선형회귀분석에서 일주일간의 생선 섭취량, 그리고 거주지역이 혈중 수은 농도와 유의한 관련성이 있었다. 생선 섭취량과 혈중 수은 농도 간에는 통계적으로 유의한 관련성이 있다. 앞으로 혈중 수은 농도와 건강 장애간의 관련성을 비롯한 추가적인 연구를 통하여 생선 섭취와 연관된 수은 노출 기준, 실제적인 생선 내 수은 잔류 기준, 생선 섭취빈도와 생선 섭취량에 관한 여러 가지 권고안들을 마련하기 위한 근거 기반을 마련해야 할 것이다.

• 한국환경보건학회지
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• 제33권3호
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• pp.180-183
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• 2007

Over the last century the mercury (Hg) concentration in the environment has been increased by human activities with inputs from sources such as atmospheric deposition, urban runoff, and industrial effluents. Mercury can be transformed to methylmercury (MeHg) in anaerobic conditions by sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) and sediments are the principal location for MeHg production in aquatic environments. Interest in bioaccumulation of Hg and MeHg into lower trophic levels of benthic and pelagic organisms stems from public health concerns as these organisms provide essential links for higher trophic levels of food chains such as fish and larger invertebrates. Fish consumption is the major exposure route of MeHg to humans. Recently, it was reported that blood samples in Korea showed much higher Hg levels (5-8 times) than those in USA and Germany. Although this brings much attention to Hg research in Korea, there are very few studies on Hg biogeochemical cycling and bioaccumulation in aquatic environments. Given the importance of Hg methylation and MeHg transfer through food chains in aquatic environments, it is imperative that studies should be done in much detail looking at the fate, transport, and bioaccumulation of Hg and MeHg in the environment. Moreover, there should be long-term monitoring plans in Korea to evaluate the environmental and health effects of Hg and MeHg.

• 한국환경보건학회지
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• 제37권5호
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• pp.348-357
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• 2011

Objectives: This study was conducted in order to examine the relationship between heavy metal concentrations in the soil and the level of heavy metals in the blood or urine of 216 local residents living near abandoned metal mines. Methods: Residents around abandoned metal mines were interviewed about their dietary habits, including seafood consumption, medical history, cigarette smoking, and drug history. Metal concentrations in the soil were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AA-7000, Shimadzu, Japan). Lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) contents in the blood or urine were analyzed by GF-AAS (AA-6800, Shimadzu). Mercury (Hg) contents in the blood were determined by means of a mercury analyzer (SP-3DS, NIC). Arsenic (As) content in the soil and urine were measured by a HG-AAS (hydride vapor generation-atomic absorption spectrophotometer). Results: The heavy metal concentrations in the soil showed a log normal distribution and the geometric means of the four villages were 8.61 mg/kg for Pb, 0.19 mg/kg for Cd, 1.81 mg/kg for As and 0.035 mg/kg for Hg. The heavy metal levels of the 216 local residents showed a regular distribution for Pb, Cd, Hg in the blood and As in the urine. The arithmetic means were 3.37 ${\mu}g$/dl for Pb, 3.07 ${\mu}g$/l for Cd and 2.32 ${\mu}g$/l for Hg, 10.41 ${\mu}g$/l for As, respectively. Conclusions: As a result of multi-variate analysis for the affecting factors on the bodily heavy metal concentrations, gender and concentration in the soil (each, p<0.01) for blood lead levels; gender and smoking status (each, p<0.01) for blood cadmium levels; gender (p<0.01) for urine arsenic levels; gender, age and concentration in the soil (p<0.01) for blood mercury levels were shown to be the affecting factors.

• 대한수의학회지
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• 제43권4호
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• pp.641-648
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• 2003

Changes of plasma DNA contents and serum biochemical values were measured in rats administered with $HgCl_2$ to investigate the in vivo cytotoxic effects of mercury and examine the usefulness of these changes as indicators of mercury exposure and diagnosis of mercury poisoning. Rats were given once intraperitonealy $HgCl_2$(0.13. 0.32. 0.8 and 2 mg/kg b.w) and the changes of plasma DNA contents and serum biochemical values were measured at the time of 2, 4, 8, 24, 48 and 72 hours after the administration of $HgCl_2$. Plasma DNA contents began to increase from 2 hours after the administration of $HgCl_2$ in all the treatment groups significantly compared to control with dose-dependent pattern. The levels of plasma DNA reached to peak at 48 hours as 2.77, 7.60, 15.46 and 16.51 times higher than control in each treatment group of 0.13, 0.32, 0.8 and 2 mg/kgb.w, respectively and remained to be higher until 72 hours after the administration. The values of creatine kinase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, blood urea nitrogen and glucose of serum were increased, however the values of alkaline phosphatase, total protein and triglyceride were decreased. These changes of increase and decrease showed dose-dependent pattern but the starting time, maintenance and magnitude of change were various and characteristic according to serum biochemical indices. Among the changes of serum biochemical values, those of aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase and blood urea nitrogen were apparently and significantly increased compared to control from 2 to 72 hours by the administration of 2 mg/kg $HgCl_2$. This study demonstrates that plasma DNA and serum biochemical values such as aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, blood urea nitrogen and etc. are valuable as biomarkers for mercury exposure assessment and diagnosis of mercury poisoning.

• 한국환경보건학회지
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• 제46권4호
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• pp.368-375
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• 2020

Objectives: Some animal studies have reported that methyl mercury causes developmental toxicities such as placental and fetal weight loss, but the mechanism is still unclear. This study aimed to investigate the developmental toxicities of methyl mercury, focusing on placental endocrine function and fetal growth retardation in rats. Methods: Positively same-time-mated female Sprague-Dawley rats were purchased on gestational day (GD) eight and treated with 0, 5, 10 and 20 ppm of methyl mercury (n=5) dissolved in tap water from GD eight through 19. During treatment, the drinking water (methyl mercury) intake and body weight of each pregnant rat was measured daily. On day 19, caesarean sections were performed and blood samples were collected. Developmental data such as placental and fetal weights, fetus numbers, and placental efficiency (fetal weight/placental weight) were also collected. Placental prolactin-growth hormone (PRL-GH) family, such as placental lactogen (PL) -Iv, II, and prolactin-like protein (PLP) -B, levels in serum were analyzed by ELISA. Also, placental tissues were assigned to histochemistry. Results: The mean cumulative methyl mercury exposure for the 5, 10, and 20 ppm groups were 2.37, 4.63, and 9.66 mg, respectively. The mean daily exposure of the 5, 10, and 20 ppm groups were 0.24, 0.47, and 0.97 mg, respectively. Maternal body weight increased in accordance with GD. There was no significant difference in weight gain among the experimental groups. Histopathologic changes were not observed in placental tissues among the experimental groups. However, mean placental and fetal weights were lower in the 10 and 20 ppm exposed groups compared to the control. Placental efficiency was also lower in the 10 and 20 ppm exposed groups compared to the control. Serum PL-Iv and II levels were lower in the 10 and 20 ppm exposed groups than the control, in accordance with the changing pattern of placental and fetal weights and placental efficiency. Conclusion: The inhibitory effects of methyl mercury on the serum levels of placental PRL-GH family such as PL-Iv and II may be secondary leads to the reduction of placental efficiency and fetal growth retardation in rats.

• 한국대기환경학회:학술대회논문집
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• 한국대기환경학회 2008년도 추계학술대회 논문집
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• pp.417-418
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• 2008

• Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• 제15권3호
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• pp.215-220
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• 2012

The effects of inorganic mercury on hematological parameters and hepatic oxidative stress enzyme activity were studied in olive flounder Paralichthys olivaceus. Fish were injected twice intraperitoneally with mercuric chloride (2, 4, or 8 mg Hg/kg BW). The major hematological findings were significant decreases in the red blood cell count, hematocrit value, and hemoglobin level in olive flounder exposed to 8 mg Hg/kg BW. Remarkably low levels of calcium and chloride, and reduced osmolality, were also observed at 8 mg Hg/kg BW. In hepatic tissue, significant increases in glutathione peroxidase and catalase activity were observed above 4 mg Hg/kg BW Inorganic mercury also increased glutathione S-transferase and glutathione reductase activity at 8 mg Hg/kg BW in hepatic tissue. The present findings suggest that exposure to a low concentration (${\geq}4$ mg Hg/kg BW) of inorganic mercury can cause significant changes in hematological and antioxidant parameters.