Clinical Report: Association of Metal Exposure and Uterine Fibroid Prevalence

Overview

This study investigates the correlation between urinary metal concentrations and the prevalence of uterine fibroids in African Caribbean women. The study found that higher urinary arsenic levels were associated with increased odds of developing fibroids.

Background

Uterine fibroids are the most common benign tumors in women, significantly impacting reproductive health and quality of life. Understanding risk factors, including environmental exposures, is crucial for addressing health disparities, particularly in populations with higher prevalence rates. This study investigates the association between non-essential metals and fibroid development in Caribbean populations.

Data Highlights

The overall prevalence rate of uterine fibroids was noted to be 48.3%. In adjusted models, each tenfold increase in urinary concentrations of total arsenic, dimethylarsinic acid, and arsenobetaine correlated with increased odds of uterine fibroids: 61%, 84%, and 38%, respectively, based on study findings.

Key Findings

• The study involved 441 women aged 40-87 years from the Tobago Health Study.
• Uterine fibroid prevalence was found to be 48.3% in the cohort.
• Each tenfold increase in urinary arsenic concentration was associated with a 61% increase in odds of fibroids.
• Dimethylarsinic acid and arsenobetaine also showed significant associations with increased odds of fibroids, at 84% and 38%, respectively.
• No significant associations were found between other metals and the odds of uterine fibroids.
• Weighted quantile sum regression indicated no significant effects of metal mixtures on fibroid likelihood.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare professionals should consider environmental exposures, particularly to arsenic, when evaluating risk factors for uterine fibroids in African Caribbean women. Further research is warranted to explore the implications of these findings on public health policies.

Conclusion

The study identifies an association between urinary arsenic levels and uterine fibroid prevalence in African Caribbean women.

Related Resources & Content

1. Endocrine Reviews, 2023 -- Vitamin D and Uterine Fibroids: Insights into Pathophysiology and Therapeutic Potential
2. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 2026 -- Exposure to heavy metals and trace elements and risk of dyslipidemia: a nested case-control analysis in rural adults
3. Archives of Toxicology, 2023 -- Impact of Maternal Exposure to Various Mycotoxins on Pregnancy Outcomes: A Prospective Cohort Analysis in Rural Bangladesh
4. Frontiers in Oncology, 2026 -- Exposure to multiple metallic elements and risk of thyroid tumors: insights from elemental profiling, diet, and molecular characteristics plasma levels of metallic elements
5. Medical treatment of fibroids: FIGO best practice guidance - PMC, 2025
6. Risk factors associated with urinary metal concentrations in middle-aged and older Caribbean adults: the Tobago Health Study | Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology
7. Medical treatment of fibroids: FIGO best practice guidance - PMC
8. Risk factors associated with urinary metal concentrations in middle-aged and older Caribbean adults: the Tobago Health Study | Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology