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Heavy Metal Exposure and Metabolic Syndrome: Evidence from Human and Model System Studies

  • Mechanisms of Toxicity (CJ Mattingly and A Planchart, Section Editors)
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Metabolic syndrome (MS) describes the co-occurrence of conditions that increase one’s risk for heart disease and other disorders such as diabetes and stroke. The worldwide increase in the prevalence of MS cannot be fully explained by lifestyle factors such as sedentary behavior and caloric intake alone. Environmental exposures, such as heavy metals, have been implicated, but results are conflicting and possible mechanisms remain unclear. To assess recent progress in determining a possible role between heavy metal exposure and MS, we reviewed epidemiological and model system data for cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg) from the last decade.

Recent Findings

Data from 36 epidemiological studies involving 17 unique countries/regions and 13 studies leveraging model systems are included in this review. Epidemiological and model system studies support a possible association between heavy metal exposure and MS or comorbid conditions; however, results remain conflicting. Epidemiological studies were predominantly cross-sectional and collectively, they highlight a global interest in this question and reveal evidence of differential susceptibility by sex and age to heavy metal exposures. In vivo studies in rats and mice and in vitro cell-based assays provide insights into potential mechanisms of action relevant to MS including altered regulation of lipid and glucose homeostasis, adipogenesis, and oxidative stress.

Summary

Heavy metal exposure may contribute to MS or comorbid conditions; however, available data are conflicting. Causal inference remains challenging as epidemiological data are largely cross-sectional; and variation in study design, including samples used for heavy metal measurements, age of subjects at which MS outcomes are measured; the scope and treatment of confounding factors; and the population demographics vary widely. Prospective studies, standardization or increased consistency across study designs and reporting, and consideration of molecular mechanisms informed by model system studies are needed to better assess potential causal links between heavy metal exposure and MS.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge the outstanding team at the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database for helpful discussions and for curating and providing access to additional information about the articles reviewed in this manuscript as well as the Center for Human Health and the Environment, which helped to facilitate collaborations such as this review.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biological Sciences, NC State University, Toxicology building, 850 Main Campus Dr, Raleigh, NC, 27606, USA

    Antonio Planchart, Adrian Green, Cathrine Hoyo & Carolyn J. Mattingly

  2. Center for Human Health and the Environment, NC State University, Toxicology building, 850 Main Campus Dr, Raleigh, NC, 27606, USA

    Antonio Planchart, Cathrine Hoyo & Carolyn J. Mattingly

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  1. Antonio Planchart
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Planchart, A., Green, A., Hoyo, C. et al. Heavy Metal Exposure and Metabolic Syndrome: Evidence from Human and Model System Studies. Curr Envir Health Rpt 5, 110–124 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40572-018-0182-3

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