Past
arsenic exposure was found associated with increased incidence of
type 2 diabetes. However, the mechanisms remain unclear.
Metabolic syndrome has been shown as a strong predictor for diabetes occurrence. We aimed at examining the association of inorganic
arsenic exposure and the prevalence of
metabolic syndrome. The authors recruited 660 age and gender stratified random population of residents in central Taiwan during 2002-2003. They received home interviews and health examinations at local health care units, where blood and hair specimens were collected. Hair
arsenic (H-As) concentrations were determined by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry.
Metabolic syndrome was defined as the presence of three or more of the following risk factors: elevated levels of blood pressure, plasma
glucose, and
triglycerides, also the body mass index, and reduced
high-density lipoprotein. Prevalence of
metabolic syndrome increased from the 2nd tertile (0.034 ug/g) of H-As levels (odds ratio=2.54, 95% confidence interval: 1.20-5.39, p=0.015) after the adjustment for age, gender, occupation and life styles including cigarette smoking. We further found linear relation between H-As concentrations and increased levels of plasma
glucose and
lipids, and blood pressures. This first report may help identify modifiable factors associated with diabetogenesis and
cardiovascular disease progression and thus be worth following for community health.