Search

Objective: Evaluate whether arsenic-related diabetes risks differ between people of low and high socioeconomic status (SES)., Methods: We used data collected between October 2007-December 2010 from a population-based cancer case-control study (N = 1301) in Northern Chile, an area with high arsenic water concentrations (>800 µg/L) and comprehensive records of past exposure. Information on lifetime exposure and potential confounders were obtained using structured interviews, questionnaires, and residential histories. Type 2 diabetes was defined as physician-diagnosed diabetes or oral hypoglycemic medication use. SES was measured using a 14-point scale based on ownership of household appliances, cars, internet access, or use of domestic help. Logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between arsenic and diabetes within strata of SES., Results: Among those with low SES, the odds ratio (OR) for diabetes comparing individuals in the highest to lowest tertile of lifetime average arsenic exposure was 2.12 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.29-3.49, p = 0.004). However, those in the high SES group were not at increased risk (OR = 1.12 [95% CI = 0.72-1.73])., Conclusions: Our findings provide evidence that risks of arsenic-related diabetes may be higher in Chile in people with low versus high SES., (Copyright © 2019. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Background: The prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) has nearly doubled since 1980. Elevated body mass index (BMI) is the leading risk factor for T2D, mediated by inflammation and oxidative stress. Arsenic shares similar pathogenic processes, and may contribute to hyperglycemia and β-cell dysfunction., Objectives: We assessed a unique situation of individuals living in Northern Chile with data on lifetime arsenic exposure to evaluate the relationship between arsenic and T2D, and investigate possible interactions with BMI., Methods: We analyzed data collected from October 2007-December 2010 from an arsenic-cancer case-control study. Information on self-reported weight, height, smoking, diet, and other factors were obtained. Diabetes was defined by self-reported physician-diagnoses or use of hypoglycemic medication. A total of 1053 individuals, 234 diabetics and 819 without known diabetes were included., Results: The T2D odds ratio (OR) for cumulative arsenic exposures of 610-5279 and ≥ 5280 μg/L-years occurring 40 years or more before interview were 0.97 (95% CI: 0.66-1.43) and 1.53 (95% CI: 1.05-2.23), respectively. Arsenic-associated T2D ORs were greater in subjects with increased BMIs. For example, the ORs for past cumulative exposures ≥ 5280 μg/L-years was 1.45 (95% CI: 0.74-2.84) in participants with BMIs < 25 kg/m 2 but 2.64 (95% CI: 1.14-6.11) in those with BMIs ≥ 30 kg/m 2 (synergy index = 2.49, 95% CI: 0.87-7.09). Results were similar when people with cancer were excluded., Conclusions: These findings identify increased odds of T2D with arsenic exposure, which are significantly increased in individuals with excess BMI., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Elevated body mass index (BMI) is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and other diseases. Inflammation or oxidative stress induced by high BMI may explain some of these effects. Millions of people drink arsenic-contaminated water worldwide, and ingested arsenic has also been associated with inflammation, oxidative stress, and cancer., Objectives: To assess the unique situation of people living in northern Chile exposed to high arsenic concentrations in drinking water and investigate interactions between arsenic and BMI, and associations with lung and bladder cancer risks., Methods: Information on self-reported body mass index (BMI) at various life stages, smoking, diet, and lifetime arsenic exposure was collected from 532 cancer cases and 634 population-based controls., Results: In subjects with BMIs <90th percentile in early adulthood (27.7 and 28.6 kg/m(2) in males and females, respectively), odds ratios (OR) for lung and bladder cancer combined for arsenic concentrations of <100, 100-800 and >800 µg/L were 1.00, 1.64 (95% CI, 1.19-2.27), and 3.12 (2.30-4.22). In subjects with BMIs ≥90th percentile in early adulthood, the corresponding ORs were higher: 1.00, 1.84 (0.75-4.52), and 9.37 (2.88-30.53), respectively (synergy index=4.05, 95% CI, 1.27-12.88). Arsenic-related cancer ORs >20 were seen in those with elevated BMIs in both early adulthood and in later life. Adjustments for smoking, diet, and other factors had little impact., Conclusion: These findings provide novel preliminary evidence supporting the notion that environmentally-related cancer risks may be markedly increased in people with elevated BMIs, especially in those with an elevated BMI in early-life., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)