Urinary Porphyrin Excretion in Children is Associated with Exposure to Organochlorine Compounds

2008

Urinary Porphyrin Excretion in Children and Organochlorine Exposure

Sample size: 52 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Jordi Sunyer, Mar Alvarez-Pedrerol, Jordi To-Figueras, Núria Ribas-Fitó, Joan O. Grimalt, Carmen Herrero

Primary Institution: Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain

Hypothesis

Is there an association between urinary porphyrin excretion and exposure to organochlorine compounds in children?

Conclusion

The study found that while HCB did not induce porphyria, urinary coproporphyrins increased with organochlorine exposure, suggesting a potential toxic effect.

Supporting Evidence

Children exposed to higher levels of HCB showed increased urinary coproporphyrins.
The study included a cohort of 97 children, with 52 providing complete data.
Urinary porphyrin levels were measured using high-pressure liquid chromatography.
Statistical analysis indicated significant associations between organochlorine levels and porphyrin excretion.
Breast-fed children had higher levels of total porphyrins compared to formula-fed children.
Previous studies in adults showed no significant increase in porphyrin excretion related to HCB exposure.
Findings suggest that even low levels of organochlorine exposure can affect heme synthesis.
The study highlights the need for monitoring environmental chemical exposure in children.

Takeaway

This study looked at kids and found that some chemicals in the environment can change how their bodies make certain substances, even if they don't get sick.