Folate Deficiency and Other Factors Linked to Skin Lesions from Arsenic Exposure
Author Information
Author(s): Pilsner J. Richard, Liu Xinhua, Ahsan Habibul, Ilievski Vesna, Slavkovich Vesna, Levy Diane, Factor-Litvak Pam, Graziano Joseph H., Gamble Mary V.
Primary Institution: Columbia University
Hypothesis
Do folate deficiency, hyperhomocysteinemia, and low urinary creatinine increase the risk of arsenic-induced skin lesions among Bangladeshi adults?
Conclusion
Folate deficiency, hyperhomocysteinemia, and low urinary creatinine are risk factors for arsenic-induced skin lesions.
Supporting Evidence
- Individuals with low folate had a 1.8 times higher risk of skin lesions.
- Hyperhomocysteinemia increased the odds of skin lesions by 1.7 times.
- Low urinary creatinine was associated with a 0.4-fold decrease in the odds of skin lesions.
Takeaway
If you don't have enough folate or have high levels of homocysteine, you might be more likely to get skin problems from arsenic in water.
Methodology
A nested case-control study was conducted with 274 cases of skin lesions and 274 matched controls based on sex, age, and water arsenic levels.
Potential Biases
Potential biases may arise from matching controls and cases based on limited criteria.
Limitations
The study may not account for all potential confounding factors and relies on self-reported data for some variables.
Participant Demographics
Participants were Bangladeshi adults aged 18-65, with a mix of genders and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Confidence Interval
95% CI, 1.1–2.9
Statistical Significance
p<0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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