Recurrent acute respiratory tract infections in areas with high nitrate concentrations in drinking water
Gupta, SK; Gupta, RC; Gupta, AB; Seth, AK; Bassin, JK; Gupta, A
HERO ID
2171
Reference Type
Journal Article
Year
2000
Language
English
PMID
| HERO ID | 2171 |
|---|---|
| In Press | No |
| Year | 2000 |
| Title | Recurrent acute respiratory tract infections in areas with high nitrate concentrations in drinking water |
| Authors | Gupta, SK; Gupta, RC; Gupta, AB; Seth, AK; Bassin, JK; Gupta, A |
| Journal | Environmental Health Perspectives |
| Volume | 108 |
| Issue | 4 |
| Page Numbers | 363-366 |
| Abstract | A review of the literature indicated an association among high nitrate ingestion, methemoglobinemia, and pathologic changes in bronchi and lung parenchyma. The present study examined a possible correlation among drinking water nitrate concentration, methemoglobin levels, cytochrome b5 reductase activity, and acute respiratory tract infection with a history of recurrence (RRTI). Our study was conducted in five village units in the state of Rajasthan, India, with nitrate concentrations of 26, 45, 95, 222, and 459 mg NO3 ion/L. We randomly selected 88 children. The children were up to 8 years of age, age matched, and represented 10% of the total population of these areas. We obtained detailed RRTI histories and conducted medical examinations. Methemoglobin levels and cytochrome b5 reductase activity were estimated biochemically. The data collected were statistically analyzed using spreadsheet software on a personal computer. We observed strong interdependence between methemoglobin levels and RRTI in children up to 8 years of age. Methemoglobin levels alone explained 80% of the variation in the RRTI cases. This study indicates that methemoglobinemia, secondary to high nitrate ingestion in drinking water, causes RRTI. Increased production of methemoglobin and free radicals of nitric oxide and oxygen due to nitrate metabolism in the body lead to alveolar damage and mismatching of ventilation and perfusion, which may be the reason for high mortality in children due to RRTI. |
| Doi | 10.2307/3454356 |
| Pmid | 10753096 |
| Wosid | WOS:000086596400034 |
| Is Certified Translation | No |
| Dupe Override | No |
| Comments | ECRIB.Environ. Health Perspect. 108: 363-366. |
| Is Public | Yes |
| Language Text | English |
| Keyword | cytochrome b(5) reductase; drinking water; methemoglobinemia; nitrate; recurrent acute respiratory infection (RRTI) |
| Is Qa | No |