Ma Hosseinpour Feizi , M Mosaferi , S Dastgiri , Sh Zolali , N Pouladi , P Azarfam ,
Volume 3, Issue 3 (18 2008)
Abstract
Background & Objectives: Arsenicosis is a serious environmental disease caused by chronic exposure to arsenic- usually from drinking water. Signs and symptoms of chronic arsenic poisoning include hyperkeratosis, hyper- or hypopigmentation, and ulcers. Also, the incidence of cancer is increased in the exposed population. There is some evidence of high arsenic levels in drinking water in the village of Ghopuz, located in Hashtrud District, East Azerbaijan province. We evaluated the genetic and health effects of chronic arsenic exposure in the residents of Ghopuz.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study we determined the prevalence of hyperkeratosis, hyperpigmentation and hypertension in Ghopuz village. The study involved 101 individuals in Ghopuz and 107 in the adjacent village of Mayan, who were all visited by a trained physician. A total of 46 blood samples were collected for kariotyping. The level of heavy metals in water was determined by the Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) method.
Results: We detected high arsenic levels in the drinking water at Ghopuz (mean concentration in water = 1.03 mg/L). There were chromosomal defects in the exposed group. Mean systolic blood pressure at Ghopuz (137mmHg, 95% CI: 132-142) was significantly higher than in Mayan (107, 95% CI: 99.9-114). Also, mean diastolic blood pressure at Ghopuz (82, 95% CI: 79-85) was significantly higher than in Mayan (71, 95% CI: 66-75). Hyperkeratosis was 34 times more frequent in the exposed population (OR = 34, P< 0.001). Also, hyperpigmentation was significantly more frequent in the exposed population (OR = 2.4, P < 0.007).
Conclusions: Water arsenic and nitrate levels at Ghopuz were higher than the maximum permissible levels. The prevalence of skin lesions and hypertension is increased at Ghopuz village due to arsenic exposure. There is also some evidence of chromosomal defects in the exposed group. Affected people need appropriate medical care, and safe drinking water should be provided to reduce arsenic exposure.
Elham Davtalab Esmaeil, Ali Hossein Zeinalzadeh, Leila R. Kalankesh, Alireza Ghaffari, Saeed Dastgiri,
Volume 20, Issue 2 (Vol.20, No.2, Summer 2024)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The present study aimed to assess the prevalence and familial aggregation pattern of alcohol consumption among father-offspring, mother-offspring, siblings, and spouses in Tabriz city, and to investigate the associated risk factors.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2023 on 860 individuals in Tabriz city. The heads of households were selected as proband individuals. Conveniently, probands were recruited from daily visitors, and upon agreeing to participate, their first-degree relatives (spouse and children) were also invited to join in. Data were collected using standard self-reported questionnaires. Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) were employed to assess family aggregation among father- offspring, mother-offspring, and siblings.
Results: No significant of familial aggregation alcohol consumption was observed between spouses (OR=0.54 (0.16-1.8)). Although familial aggregation was observed between mothers and children, this was not statistically significant (OR=1.54 (0.8-2.94)). There was a significant familial aggregation of alcohol consumption between fathers and children (OR=1.98 (1.08-2.5)). Among siblings, familial aggregation was not statistically significant (OR=1.38 (0.41-4.63)).
Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, family members play an important role in influencing the alcohol consumption behaviors of other family members. Additionally, individuals with lower socioeconomic status, those who are divorced, and singles may be more appropriate targets for alcohol consumption screening programs.
