Investigation on arteriosclerosis among population in a rare earth area in south China

Biol Trace Elem Res. 1997 Winter;59(1-3):93-8. doi: 10.1007/BF02783234.

Abstract

An ophthalmofunduscope was used to investigate arteriosclerosis among villagers aged 20-40 yr old in two rare earth areas in Ganzhou, Jiangxi Province. It was noted that the occurrence of arteriosclerosis of the fundus aculi was significantly high (P < 0.05-0.01), the detection of serum cholesterol (CHO) was remarkably increased (P < 0.01), and the level of IgM was also elevated. However, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) remained at a low level. The effect of taking rare earth elements (REE) could be direct or indirect, thus causing an increase in cholesterol and interfering with the synthesis of high-density lipoprotein. Furthermore, rare earth could also cause immunogenic damage to the vascular wall. All of these could facilitate the formation of arteriosclerosis.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Arteriosclerosis / blood
  • Arteriosclerosis / diagnostic imaging
  • Arteriosclerosis / epidemiology*
  • China / epidemiology
  • Cholesterol / blood
  • Environmental Exposure
  • Humans
  • Metals, Rare Earth*
  • Middle Aged
  • Radiography

Substances

  • Metals, Rare Earth
  • Cholesterol