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Open Access 01-12-2012 | Research article

Arsenic exposure through drinking water increases the risk of liver and cardiovascular diseases in the population of West Bengal, India

Authors: Nandana Das, Somnath Paul, Debmita Chatterjee, Nilanjana Banerjee, Niladri S Majumder, Nilendu Sarma, Tanmoy J Sau, Santanu Basu, Saptarshi Banerjee, Papiya Majumder, Apurba K Bandyopadhyay, J Christopher States, Ashok K Giri

Published in: BMC Public Health | Issue 1/2012

Abstract

Background

Arsenic is a natural drinking water contaminant affecting 26 million people in West Bengal, India. Chronic arsenic exposure causes cancer, cardiovascular disease, liver disease, neuropathies and ocular diseases. The aims of the present study were to assess bioindicators of hepatocellular injury as indicated by the levels of liver enzymes, to determine the auto immune status, as indicated by the amounts of anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) and anti-dsDNA antibodies in their serum, and to predict cardiovascular risk in the arsenic exposed population.

Methods

Effect of chronic arsenic exposure on liver was determined by liver function tests. Autoimmune status was measured by measuring ANA and anti-dsDNA in serum. Inflammatory cytokines associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk, IL6, IL8 and MCP-1 were determined.

Results

Our results indicated that serum levels of bilirubin, alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase and ANA were increased in the arsenic exposed population. Serum levels of IL6 and IL8 also increased in the arsenic exposed group.

Conclusions

Chronic arsenic exposure causes liver injury, increases the serum levels of autoimmune markers and imparts increased cardiovascular risk.

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The pre-publication history for this paper can be accessed here:http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2458/12/639/prepub

Title: Arsenic exposure through drinking water increases the risk of liver and cardiovascular diseases in the population of West Bengal, India
Authors: Nandana Das
Somnath Paul
Debmita Chatterjee
Nilanjana Banerjee
Niladri S Majumder
Nilendu Sarma
Tanmoy J Sau
Santanu Basu
Saptarshi Banerjee
Papiya Majumder
Apurba K Bandyopadhyay
J Christopher States
Ashok K Giri
Publication date: 01-12-2012
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Public Health / Issue 1/2012
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2458
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2458-12-639

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Arsenic exposure through drinking water increases the risk of liver and cardiovascular diseases in the population of West Bengal, India

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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