[Effects of arsenic exposure through drinking water on methylation in persons].

Authors :: Li X
Hou P
Sun G
Source :: Wei sheng yan jiu = Journal of hygiene research [Wei Sheng Yan Jiu] 2008 Nov; Vol. 37 (6), pp. 657-9.
Publication Year :: 2008
Abstract: Objective: To observe the effects of arsenic exposure through drinking water on methylation in persons.<br />Methods: The levels of inorganic arsenic (iAs), monomethylated arsenic (MMA), dimethylated arsenic (DMA) in blood and urine were detected by atomic absorption spectrophotometer with an arsenic speciation pretreatment system. Total arsenic (tAs), the first methylation index (PMI) and the second methylation index (SMI) were calculated as iAs+ MMA + DMA, (MMA+ DMA)/tAs and DMA/(MMA + DMA), respectively.<br />Results: iAs, MMA, DMA, tAs and PMI in blood of exposed persons were more higher than those of control, while SMI was more lower than that of control. Significant positive correlations were found between urinary MMA and blood PMI (r = 0.419, P < 0.01), while significant negative correlations were found between urinary MMA and blood SMI (r = -0.326, P < 0.05). No significant differences were found in methylation capacity between men and women.<br />Conclusion: The arsenic methylation capacity of the persons exposed to arsenic was different from that of person non-exposed to arsenic, indicating an increase of PMI and decrease of SMI. There were no differences between sex in methylation capacity.