A correlation between serum vitamin, acetylcholinesterase activity and IQ in children with excessive endemic fluoride exposure in Rajasthan, India

Abstract

Fluoride  is  widely  distributed  in  nature  and  a  direct  source  of  adverse  health  effects  in  human  populations.  Fluoride poisoning  attributed  by  long-term  exposure  to  high  levels  of  fluoride  [is] called  fluorosis.  The  present  study was  carried  out among  9-14  years  old  school  children  of Dausa  district,  Rajasthan  India.  The  subjects were  selected  from  high  fluoride region  (>2.0  ppm)  and  age matched were  selected  from  Jaipur  district where  fluoride  content was  (<1.5  ppm). A  [questionnaire] was used to collect information from the children’s personal character, clinical health outcome, residential record, educational achievements and  family socioeconomic status. Fluoride  in serum, urine and drinking water were estimated  in both subjects and controls along with serum vitamin (A, C, D and E) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE). The Raven’s Standard Progressive  Matrices  was  used  to  measurement  of  children’s  intelligence.  IQ  scores  and  serum  F  levels  was  directly correlated with the concentration of serum F level. Reduced concentration of vitamin (C, D and E) and AChE activity is the potent markers  of  neuro-degeneration.  The  conclusion  of  the  study  is  that  the  excessive  fluoride  delineates  the  neuronal impairment which were evident by reduce IQ score and serum AChE activity.   Moreover, the altered vitamin concentrations which may further lead to brain and bone damage.