abstract

• The environmental contamination with lead (Pb) is considered a critical issue worldwide. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the expression levels of circulating miRNAs (miR-155, miR-126, and miR-145) in Mexican women exposed to Pb. Blood lead levels (BLL) were assessed in enrolled women (n = 190) using an atomic absorption method. Also, serum miRNAs expression levels were quantified through a real-time PCR assay. A mean BLL of 10.5 ± 4.50 μg/dL was detected. Overexpression of miR-155 was detected in highly exposed women. Besides, a significant simple positive relationship (p < 0.05) was found between BLL and serum miR-155 expression levels. Additionally, a significant inverse correlation (p < 0.05) was determined between BLL and serum miR-126 expression levels, as downregulation of miR-126 expression levels was observed in highly exposed women. The findings in this study are the concern, as epigenetic changes detected may represent a connection between health illnesses and Pb exposure. © 2021 Elsevier B.V.

authors

• Carrizalez Yáñez Leticia
• Ochoa-Martinez Á.C.
• Orta-Garcia S.T.
• Pérez Maldonado Ivan Nelinho
• Varela-Silva J.A.

publication date

• 2021-01-01

funding provided via

• 309519, FORDECYT/06SE/2020/03/27  Grant

published in

• Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology  Journal

keywords

• Epigenetic modifications; Lead (Pb); Mexico; miR-126; miR-155; miRNAs

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

• 10.1016/j.etap.2021.103598

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volume

• 83