Abstract The aim of this study was to compare selected trace element levels in umbilical cord blood plasma of pregnant women residing in rural and urban areas and to investigate the relationship between trace elements and oxidative stress parameters. Umbilical cord blood samples were collected from 50 pregnant women living in rural and urban areas. Total antioxidant status (TAS) and total oxidant status (TOS) in plasma were determined by colorimetric method. Levels of nickel (Ni), manganese (Mn), aluminum (Al), iron (Fe), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), vanadium (V), and selenium (Se) were measured by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Ni, Mn, Al, Fe, Hg, and Cd levels in cord blood plasma were significantly higher in pregnant women residing in rural areas compared to those in urban areas ( p < 0.001). In contrast, V and Se concentrations were significantly higher in the urban group ( p < 0.001). TAS and TOS levels in umbilical cord blood plasma were also significantly elevated in the rural group. The increased TAS levels observed in pregnant women residing in rural areas may reflect a compensatory and adaptive antioxidant response to elevated oxidative stress, as indicated by higher TOS levels, which may be associated with increased exposure to trace elements. This study provides preliminary data of significant differences in trace element levels, oxidative stress, and antioxidant status in umbilical cord blood plasma collected at delivery from women residing in rural and urban areas. These findings highlight environmental disparities between the two regions and provide a basis for future studies investigating prenatal exposure to trace elements and oxidative stress.
Başeğmez et al. (Fri,) studied this question.