Potential distribution and accumulation pathways of GBCAs in the environment and human gastrointestinal tract.
×Potential distribution and accumulation pathways of GBCAs in the environment and human gastrointestinal tract.
Gadolinium (Gd) based contrast agents (GBCAs) are administered in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) due to Gd’s excellent paramagnetic properties. They are also recognized as emerging microcontaminants due to their persistence in the environment and associated potential health risks. Intravenously administrated GBCAs are mostly excreted unmetabolized, but less is known about the fate of these compounds upon ingestion via environmental contamination, followed by biliary excretion and enterohepatic recirculation. This study investigates the speciation and stability of six clinically available GBCAs containing macrocyclic and linear chelating agents under simulated gastrointestinal conditions to assess the potential release of free Gd3+ ions in the digestive tract. The experiments conducted in custom built batch reactors at 37° for 6h with constant agitation under dark and oxygenated conditions using simulated gastric fluid and simulated intestinal fluid. Periodically collected samples were analyzed by ion chromatography assisted inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (IC-ICP-MS). The findings suggest the need for further toxicological evaluation of oral exposure pathways and reinforce the improved WWT technologies to mitigate environmental dissemination of stable contrast agents to protect ecological and human health.
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Stevens, L. J.; Dubbeld, J.; Doppenberg, J. B.; van Hoek, B.; Menke, A. L.; Donkers, J. M.; Alsharaa, A.; de Vries, A.; Vaes, W. H.; Knibbe, C. A. Novel explanted human liver model to assess hepatic extraction, biliary excretion and transporter function. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics 2023, 114 (1), 137-147.
