Skip to main content
Springer Nature Link
Log in

The Content of Elements in Rainwater and Its Relation to the Frequency of Hospitalization for Gastric and Duodenal Peptic Ulcers in Opole Voivodship, Poland, During 2000–2002

  • Published:
Biological Trace Element Research Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The relationship between chemical elements in rainwater and the frequency of hospitalizations for gastric and duodenal peptic ulcers was studied on the population of the province (Voivodship) of Opole, Poland, during the years 2000–2002. There is a high positive correlation between hospitalized cases of gastric peptic ulcers with chromium in rainwater (r = 0.71), cadmium (r = 0.63), and lead (r = 0.70). Mild positive correlations were found with zinc (r = 0.55), copper (r = 0.56), iron (r = 0.57), chloride (r = 0.60), and sulfate (r = 0.52). These correlations were higher on men, suggesting that there are gender correlations involved. In duodenal peptic ulcers, we observed a high positive correlation between chromium in rainwater and hospitalized cases (r = 0.61) and mild positive correlations with lead (r = 0.57), copper (r = 0.52), and cadmium (r = 0.51). Significant gender differences were not found. These positive correlations may be due to the biological activity of the elements, such as their cytotoxic activity, enhanced local adrenergic stimulation on mucosal vasculature, ion channel (mainly calcium channels) remodeling, and, for example promoting infection by Helicobacter pylori.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Subscribe and save

Springer+
from $39.99 /Month
  • Starting from 10 chapters or articles per month
  • Access and download chapters and articles from more than 300k books and 2,500 journals
  • Cancel anytime
View plans

Buy Now

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4

Similar content being viewed by others

Explore related subjects

Discover the latest articles, books and news in related subjects, suggested using machine learning.

References

  1. de Souza Falcao H, Lite JA, Barbosa-Filho JM, de Athayde-Filho PF, de Oliveira Chaves MC, Moura MD, Ferreira AL et al (2008) Gastric and duodenal antiulcer activity of alkaloids: a review. Molecules 13(12):3198–3223

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. Kurata JH, Nogawa AN (1997) Meta-analysis of risk factors for peptic ulcer. Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, Helicobacter pylori, and smoking. J Clin Gastroenterol 24(1):2–17

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  3. Whitmire JM, Gancz H, Merrell DS (2007) Balancing the double-edged sword: metal ion homeostasis and the ulcer bug. Curr Med Chem 14(4):469–478

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  4. Nordenstedt H, Nilsson M, Johnsen R, Lagergren J, Hveem K (2007) Helicobacter pylori infection and gastroesophageal reflux in a population-based study (The HUNT Study). Helicobacter 12:16–22

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. Devault KR, Castell DO, American College of Gastroenterology (2005) Updated guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Am J Gastroenterol 100:190–200

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. Thor PT, Błaut U (2006) Helicobacter pylori infection in pathogenesis of gastroesophageal reflux disease. J Physiol Pharmacol 57(3):81–90

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Bandyopadhyay D, Chattopadhyay A (2006) Reactive oxygen species-induced gastric ulceration: protection by melatonin. Curr Med Chem 13(10):1187–1202

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. Schabowski J (1995) Peptic ulcer among workers in the engineering and chemical industries. Med Pr 46(1):25–31

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  9. Sonnenberg A (1988) Factors which influence the incidence and course of peptic ulcer. Scand J Gastroenterol Suppl 155:119–140

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  10. Segawa K, Nakazawa S, Tsukamoto Y, Kurita Y, Goto H, Fukui, Takano K (1987) Peptic ulcer is prevalent among shift workers. Dig Dis Sci 32(5):449–453

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  11. Yoshida K, Sakuari H, Toyama T (1982) Gastrointestinal symptoms in lead workers. Sangyo Igaku 24(3):229–235 (abstract)

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  12. Lewin J, Lewis S (1995) Organic and psychosocial risk factors for duodenal ulcer. J Psychosom Res 39(5):531–548

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  13. Stan środowiska w Województwie Opolskim w roku (2003) Wyd. Wojewódzki Inspektorat Ochrony Środowiska w Opolu, maj 2004, 78-99

  14. The analysis of correlation, Statistics bases for these, who carry out scientific research. Part 21. The analysis of correlation; mgr Andrzej Stanisz. Biostatistics and Medical Information Technology Institute of the Collegium Medicum of the Jagellonian University in Cracow; (http://www.mp.pl/artykuly/?aid=10898)

  15. Konturek PC, Brzozowski T, Konturek SJ, Pajdo R, Konturek JE, Kwiecień S, Taut, Hahn EG (1999) Apoptosis In gastric mucosa with stress-induced gastric ulcers. J Physiol Pharmacol 50(2):211–225

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  16. Tomczyk J, Lewczuk E, Andrzejak R (1999) Ostre zatrucia organicznymi związkami ołowiu. Med Pr 50(3):219–226

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  17. Sheehan PJ, Meyer DM, Saper MM, Paustenbach DJ (1991) Assessment of the human health risks posed by exposure to chromium-contaminated silos. J Toxicol Environ Health 32(2):161–201

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  18. Kuruvilla A, Pillay VV, Adhikari P, Venkatesh T, Chaprakani M, Rao HT, Bastia BK, Rajeev A, Saralaya KM, Rai M (2006) Clinical manifestations of lead workers of Mangalore, India. Toxicol Ind Health 22(9):405–413

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  19. Wahedi M (2000) Heavy metals-induced autoimmunity: a possible role for lead. Centr Europ J Immunol 25(1):33–36

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  20. Han C, Wang Q, Dong L, Sun H, Peng S, Chen J, Yang Y, Yue J, Shen X, Jiang H (2004) Molecular cloning and characterization of a New peptide deformylase from human pathogenic bacterium Helicobacter pylori. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 31(19):1292–1298

    Article  Google Scholar 

  21. Patil AJ, Bhagwat VR, Patil JA, Dongre NN, Ambekar JG, Jailkhani R, Das KK (2006) Effect of lead (Pb) exposure on the activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase in battery manufacturing workers (BMW) of Western Maharashtra (India) with reference to heme biosynthesis. Int J Environ Res Public Health 3(4):329–337

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  22. Di Lorenzo L, Soleo L, Cassano F, Elia G, Schiavulli N, Martino MG, Corfiati M, Bulfaro D, Apostoli P (2005) Anemia in workers exposed to lead: update on differential diagnosis. G Ital Med Lav Ergonom 27(suppl 1):54–61 (abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  23. Molero L, Carrasco C, Marques M, Vaziri ND, Mateos-Caceres PJ, Casado S, Macaya C, Barrientos A, Lopez-Farre AJ (2006) Involvement of endothelium and andothelin-1 in lead-induced smooth muscle cell dysfunction in rats. Kidney Int 69(4):685–690

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  24. Abdel-Salam OM, Czimmer J, Debreceni A, Szolcsanyi J, Mozsik G (2001) Gastric mucosal integrity: blood flow and microcirculation. An overview. J Physiol Paris 95(1–6):105–127

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  25. Shafer TJ (1998) Effects of Cd2+, Pb2+ and CH3Hg on high voltage-activated calcium currents in pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells: potency, reversibility, interactions with extracellular Ca2+ and mechanism of block. Toxicol Lett 99(3):207–221

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  26. Audesirk G (1993) Electrophysiology of lead intoxication: effects on voltage-sensitive ion channels. Neurotoxicology 14(2–3):1340–1347

    Google Scholar 

  27. Andrzejak R, Poreba R, Derkacz A (2004) Effect of chronic lead poisoning on the parameters of heart rate variability. Med Pr 55(2):139–144

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  28. Konturek PC, Duda, Brzozowski T, Konturek SJ, Kwiecień S, Drozdowicz D, Meixner H, Hahn EG (2000) Activation of genes for superoxide dismutase, interleukin-1 beta, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 during healing of ischemia-reperfusion-induced gastric injury. Scand J Gastroenterol 35(5):452–463

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  29. Balasubramanian T, Somasundaram M, Felix AJ (2004) Taurine prevents Ibuprofen-induced gastric mucosal lesions and influences endogenosus antioxidant status of stomach in rats. Scientific World Journal 4:1046–1054

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  30. Ogino K, Hobara T, Kawamoto T, Kobayashi H, Iwamoto S, Oka S, Okazaki Y (1990) Mechanism of diethyldithiocarbamate-induced gastric ulcer formation in the rat. Pharmacol Toxicol 66(2):133–137

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  31. Jiang P, Chang L, Pan CS, Qi SYF, Tang CS (2005) Protective role of metallothionein in stress-induced gastric ulcer in rats. World J Gastroenterol 11(18):2739–2743

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  32. Bhattacharjee M, Bhattacharjee S, Gupta BRK (2002) Critical role of an endogenous gastric peroxidase in controlling oxidative damage in H. pylori-mediated and nonmediated gastric ulcer. Free Radic Biol Med 32(8):731–743

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  33. Chen SH, Pan S (1998) Sources of superoxide radicals involved in the pathogenesis of diethyldithiocarbamate-induced gastric antral ulcer in rats. J Farmos Med Assoc 97(2):131–134

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  34. Olaleye S, Adaramoye O, Erigbali P, Adeniyi O (2007) Lead exposure increases oxidative stress in the gastric mucosa of HCL/ethanol-exposed rats. World J Gastroenterol 13(38):5121–5126

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  35. Liu PS, Lin MK (1997) Biphasic effects of chromium compounds on catecholamine secretion from bovine adrenal medullary cells. Toxicology 117(1):45–53

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  36. Pritchard KA Jr, Ackerman A, Kalyanaraman B (2000) Chromium (VI) increases endothelial cell expression of ICAM-1 and decreases nitric oxide activity. J Environ Pathol Toxicol Oncol 19:251–260

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  37. Wallace JL (2008) Prostaglandins, NSAIDs, and gastric mucosal protection: why doesn't the stomach digest itself? Physiol Rev 88(4):1547–1565

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  38. Szentpali K, Eros G, Kaszaki J, Tiszlavicz L, Lazar G, Wolf A, Balogh A, Boros M (2003) Microcirculatory changes in the canine oesophageal mucosa during exparimental reflux oesophagitis: comparison of the effects of acid and bile. Scand J Gastroenterol 38:1016–1022

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  39. Rowbotham AL, Levy LS, Shuker LK (2000) Chromium in the environment: an evaluation of exposure of the UK general population and possible adverse health effects. J Toxicol Environ Health B Crit Rev 3(3):145–178

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  40. Barceloux DG (1999) Chromium. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol 37(2):173–194

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  41. Sheehan PJ, Meyer DM, Sauer MM, Paustenbach DJ (1991) Assessment of the human health risks posed by exposure to chromium-contaminated soils. J Toxicol Environ Health 32(2):161–201

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  42. Oner G, Izgut-Uysal VN, Senturk UK (1994) Role of lipid peroxidation in cadmium-induced impairment of the gastric mucosal barrier. Food Chem Toxicol 32(9):799–804

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  43. Oner G, Izgut VN, Senturk UK (1995) The susceptibility to stres-induced gastric injury of rats exposed to cadmium. Biol Trace Elem Res 47(1–3):219–223

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  44. Mizuno M, Okayama N, Kasugai K, Yoshida T, Miyata M, Nitta M, Kataoka H, Akita S, Joh T, Itoh K, Asai K, Kato T (2001) Acid stimulates E-cadherine surface expression on gastric epithelial cells to stabilize barrier functions via influx of calcium. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 13(2):127–136

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  45. Doi Y, Kudo H, Yamamoto O, Hamasaki K, Yoshizuka M, Fujimoto S (2002) Enchancement of immunoreactivity for endothelin-1 and endothelin-converting enzyme-1 in the cadmium-treated rat thoracic aorta. Virchows Arch 441(2):179–186

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  46. Buzard GS, Kasprzak KS (2000) Possible roles of nitric oxide and redox cell signaling in metal-induced toxicity and carcinogenesis a review. J Pathol Toxicol Oncol 19:179–199

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  47. Liu F, Jan KY (2000) DNA damage in arsenite-and cadmium-treated bovine aortic endothelial cells. Free Radic Biol Med 28(1):55–63

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  48. Fujiwara Y, Watanabe S, Kaji T (1998) Promotion of cultured vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation by low levels of cadmium. Toxicol Lett 94:175–180

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  49. Rainsford KD, Whitehouse MW (1976) Gastric mucus effusion elicited by oral copper compounds: potential anti-ulcer activity. Experientia 32(9):1172–1173

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  50. Whitehouse MW, Rainsford KD (1992) Anti-ulcer activity of a slow-release zinc complex, zinc monoglycerate (Glyzinc). J Pharm Pharmacol 44(6):476–482

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  51. Bellucci M, Zambelli B, Musiani F, Turano P, Ciurli S (2009) Helicobacter pyroli UreE, a urease accessory protein: specific Ni(2+)- and Zn(2+)-binding properties and interaction with its cognaye UreG. Biochem J 422:91–100

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  52. Pelclova D, Prazny M, Skrha J, Fenclova Z, Kalousova M, Urban P, Navratil T, Senholdova Z, Smerhovsky Z (2007) 2, 3, 7, 8-TCDD exposure, endothelial dysfunction and impaired microvascular reactivity. Hum Exp Toxicol 26(9):705–713

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  53. Sand C, Peters SL, Pfaffendorf M, van Zwieten PA (2003) Effects of hypochlorite and hydrogen peroxide on cardiac autonomic receptors and vascular endothelial function. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 30:249–253

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  54. Jaimes EA, Sweeney C, Raij L (2001) Effects of the reactive oxygen species hydrogen peroxide and hypochlorite on endothelial nitric oxide production. Hypertension 38:877–883

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  55. Carr AC, Frei B (2001) The nitric oxide congener nitrite inhibits myeloperoxidase/H2O2/Cl-mediated modification of low density lipoprotein. J Biol Chem 276:1822–1828

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  56. Steer P, Vessby B, Lind L (2003) Endothelial vasodilatory function is related to the proportions of saturated fatty acids and alpha-linolenic acid in young men, but not in women. Eur J Clin Investig 33:390–396

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  57. Khomenko T, Szabo S, Deng X, Ishikawa H, Anderson GJ, McLaren GD (2009) Role of iron in the pathogenesis of cysteamine-induced duodenal ulceration in rats. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 296:G1277–G1286

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  58. Asano Y, Meguro R, Odagiri S, Li C, Iwatsuki H, Shoumura K (2006) Visualization of non-heme ferric and ferrous iron by highly sensitive non-heme iron histochemistry in the stress-induced acute gastric lesions in the rat. Histochem Cell Biol 125:515–525

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  59. Dufner MM, Kirchhoff P, Remy C, Hafner P, Müller MK, Cheng SX, Tang LQ, Hebert SC, Geibel JP, Wagner CA (2005) The calcium-sensing receptor acts as a modulator of gastric acid secretion in freshly isolated human gastric glands. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 289:G1084–G1090

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  60. Remy C, Kirchhoff P, Hafner P, Busque SM, Müeller MK, Geibel JP, Wagner CA (2007) Stimulatory pathways of the Calcium-sensing receptor on acid secretion in freshly isolated human gastric glands. Cell Physiol Biochem 19:33–42

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  61. Fortoul TI, Monada-Hernandez S, Saldivar-Osorio L, Espejel-Maya G, Mussali-Galante P, del Carmen Avila-Casado M, Colin-Barenque L, Hernandez-Serrato MI, Avila-Costa MR (2005) Sex differences in bronchial epithelium response after the inhalation of lead acetate. Toxicology 207:323–330

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  62. Vahter M, Akesson A, Liden C, Ceccetalli S, Berglund M (2007) Gender differences in the disposition and toxicity of metals. Environ Res 104:85–95

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  63. Macia M, Hernandez M (1995) Modulation of the adherence of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes by cadmium and nickel: sexual differences. Arch Environ Contam Toxicol 29:15–19 (abstract)

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Internal Diseases, Voivodship Hospital, Opole, Poland

    Slawomir Tubek

  2. Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Institute of Technology, Opole, Poland

    Slawomir Tubek, Andrzej Bunio, Renata Szyguła & Grzegorz Krasowski

Authors
  1. Slawomir Tubek
    View author publications

    Search author on:PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Andrzej Bunio
    View author publications

    Search author on:PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Renata Szyguła
    View author publications

    Search author on:PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Grzegorz Krasowski
    View author publications

    Search author on:PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Slawomir Tubek.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Tubek, S., Bunio, A., Szyguła, R. et al. The Content of Elements in Rainwater and Its Relation to the Frequency of Hospitalization for Gastric and Duodenal Peptic Ulcers in Opole Voivodship, Poland, During 2000–2002. Biol Trace Elem Res 140, 253–261 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12011-010-8694-1

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12011-010-8694-1

Keywords