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. 2024 Mar 1;19(3):e0290132.
doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0290132. eCollection 2024.

Chloroform associated with bone mineral density and bone mineral content in adults: A population-based cross-sectional research

Lin Li  1 , Xuekui Liu  2 , Xia Zhang  3 , Yan Zhang  3 , Qing Li  3 , Houfa Geng  2 , Li Shi  2 , Ben Wang  2 , Qinqin Qiu  2 , Tianpei Yu  2 , Yiquan Sang  2 , Lyying Wang  2 , Wei Xu  2 , Jun Liang  1   2
Affiliations

Chloroform associated with bone mineral density and bone mineral content in adults: A population-based cross-sectional research

Lin Li et al. PLoS One. .

Abstract

Background: Bone mineral density is an important indicator of osteoporosis, and its variation with volatile organic compounds exposure has rarely been studied. However, the relationship between chloroform (an essential volatile organic compounds component) and bone mineral density remains unclear. Consequently, we aimed to explore the relationship between chloroform alone and bone mineral density or bone mineral content.

Methods: Herein, 2,553 individuals aged 18 and above from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) in 2009-2010, 2013-2014, and 2017-2020, were included. We employed two independent t-tests and multi-linear regression models to statistically assess the relationship between chloroform exposure and BMD/BMC in the spine and femoral area.

Results: A "V"-shaped correlation between chloroform exposure and bone mineral density or bone mineral content (BMD/BMC) was observed in the unadjusted model, particularly in the Ward's triangle and femoral neck as a whole. A negative correlation was specifically observed for the Ward's triangle BMD/BMC and L4 BMD/BMC. On the other hand, in the adjusted model, a dominantly negative correlation between the L4 BMC and chloroform exposure was observed over a range of exposure levels. The subgroup analysis revealed a negative correlation between chloroform concentrations and BMC in the femur and spine, especially in women and the 65-80 age population.

Conclusion: Our study revealed a "V" shaped correlation between chloroform and BMD/BMC of the femur and spine in U.S. adults. This finding highlights the fact that prolonged exposure to chloroform may cause the changes in BMD/BMC.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Figures

Fig 1
Fig 1. Flowchart for screening research subjects.
Fig 2
Fig 2. Restricted cubic spline plots between chloroform and femoral neck BMC.
Sex, age, ancestry (Mexican American, other Hispanic, non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black, other ancestries), BMI, smoking, alcohol consumption, arthritis, COPD, history of osteoporosis, thyroid problems were adjusted.
Fig 3
Fig 3. Restricted cubic spline plots between chloroform and L4 BMC.
Sex, age, ancestry (Mexican American, other Hispanic, non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black, other ancestries), BMI, smoking, alcohol consumption, arthritis, COPD, history of osteoporosis, thyroid problems were adjusted.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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