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The aim of this study was to assess changes in bone mineral density (BMD) and cadmium (Cd) levels in blood and urine in individuals living in a Cd-contaminated area according to the type of osteoporosis medication over a three-year period. This follow-up study included 204 residents living in the vicinity of a closed copper refinery, who had been found to have elevated urinary or blood Cd levels. Cd levels in the blood and urine, as well as BMD, were measured every 6 months. After the first BMD measurement, individuals were prescribed antiresorptives such as alendronate or vitamin D and calcium, according to their BMD. Subjects were classified according to the type of medicine provided over the previous 6 months. General linear models controlling for other factors were used to evaluate the effects of each type of medication on the participants' Cd levels and BMD. Spinal BMD showed a significant increase in the antiresorptive group compared to the nontreatment group. Significant decreases in blood Cd levels were found in the vitamin D and calcium group, in comparison to the nontreatment group, as well as a marginally significant decrease in the antiresorptive group. The vitamin D and calcium group showed a significantly greater decrease in urinary Cd levels than the nontreatment group. In contrast, antiresorptive medication was found to have a negative effect on urinary Cd excretion. These results suggest that vitamin D and calcium treatment for osteoporosis lowers blood Cd levels more effectively and improves urinary Cd excretion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arsenic (As) is widely distributed in the environment, and humans can be exposed to As from various sources such as air, water, soil, and food. This study was performed to evaluate the As exposure levels in Korean adults by measuring total As in urine and its relation with the consumption of seafood, a favorite food in Korea. A total of 2077 adults were the study subjects; they ranged in age from 19 to 83, and they were recruited by probability sampling stratified by area, sex, and age. None of the subjects had been exposed to As occupationally. We collected information about the demographic characteristics, lifestyles, and food consumption of study subjects using a questionnaire and followed urine sampling. Diet was assessed in individual interviews using the 24-h recall method. Total As in urine was analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (PerkinElmer NEXION 300S; Concord, Ontario, Canada). The geometric mean concentration of total As in urine was observed to be 97.6 μg/L and was higher in males (103.9 μg/L) than in females (93.0 μg/L). Total As levels in urine were affected by sex, age, seafood intake, and geographic location. In this study, total As in urine was positively correlated with fish and shellfish consumption, and was mainly determined by As intake through fish and shellfish/grains/flavors. These findings suggest that seafood consumption might be a major contributor to urinary As levels in Korean adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]