SOME FEATURES OF STUDIES ON THE ADAPTIVE RESPONSES OF CHILDREN'S ORGANISMS TO EXTREME CONDITIONS IN THE PRIARALIE REGION

ABSTRACT

Ecological and physiological characteristics of adaptive reactions of children's organism to the conditions of the Aral Sea region. A spectral analysis was conducted to determine the multi-element composition of hair in boys and girls living in the Aral Sea region, namely, in the Republic of Karakalpakstan and the Khorezm region, indicators of the content of macro-microelements were obtained. As a result of the spectral analysis of the hair composition in children living in the Aral Sea region, the most common hypo- and hypermicroelementoses were identified.

АННОТАЦИЯ

Эколого-физиологические особенности адаптивных реакций организма детей к условиям Приаральского региона. Проведен спектральный анализ по определению многоэлементного состава волос у мальчиков и девочек, проживающих в Аральском регионе, а именно в Республике Каракалпакстан и Хорезмской области получены показатели содержания макро-микроэлементов. В результате спектрального анализа состава волос у детей, проживающих в Приаральском регионе выявлены наиболее часто встречаемые гипо- и гипермикроэлементозы.

Keywords: child population, Aral region, spectral analysis, biosubstrates, microelementoses, environment

Ключевые слова: детское население, Приаральский регион, спектральный анализ, биосубстраты, микроэлементозы, окружающая среда.

Introduction

The rapid progression of human activity and industrial development has significantly altered the natural environment, particularly in ecologically sensitive regions such as the Aral region. The environmental crisis in this area, exacerbated by the desiccation of the Aral Sea, has led to severe ecological and physiological challenges. Anthropogenic desertification, widespread soil salinization, and the dispersion of toxic aerosols are critical factors impacting the health and adaptation mechanisms of the local population, especially children.

Children, being the most vulnerable group due to their underdeveloped physiological and psychological systems, are highly susceptible to environmental stressors. The harsh conditions in the Aral region demand a deeper understanding of their adaptive responses and the factors influencing their health. One promising approach involves the study of hair composition, which provides a non-invasive and reliable method for assessing the impact of environmental factors on macro- and microelement homeostasis. Hair, as a biological substrate, offers unique insights into the body’s exposure to and accumulation of elements, reflecting both internal physiological states and external environmental conditions.

This study focuses on the ecological and physiological characteristics of children's adaptive responses to the extreme environmental conditions in the Aral Region. By conducting spectral analysis of hair samples, we aim to identify the most common hypo- and hypermicroelementoses, evaluate the adaptive reserves of children's organisms, and assess their overall health risks. This research not only highlights the physiological challenges faced by children in this region but also emphasizes the critical role of hair analysis as a diagnostic tool for monitoring environmental impacts and predicting health trends in vulnerable populations.

Literature Review

The desiccation of the Aral Sea and its ecological consequences have been extensively studied by researchers worldwide. The environmental crisis in the Aral Sea region, characterized by soil salinization, toxic aerosol dispersal, and anthropogenic desertification, has created significant challenges for the health and adaptation of the local population, particularly children. Numerous studies have highlighted the role of ecological and physiological factors in shaping the adaptive responses of children living in such extreme environments.

One of the primaries focuses of research has been on the impact of environmental factors on health. Agadzhanyan and Makarova (2001) explored the interaction between habitat conditions and organism reactivity, emphasizing the profound influence of external stressors on physiological adaptation mechanisms. Similarly, Kenjebayev (2001) assessed the detrimental effects of air and soil pollution on the health of the southern Aral Region population, identifying increased incidences of respiratory and metabolic disorders. The cumulative findings underline the urgent need to evaluate environmental and health interrelations in regions affected by ecological crises.

A key area of investigation has been the role of macro- and microelements in human adaptation to adverse environmental conditions. Skalny (2004) emphasized the significance of maintaining chemical homeostasis for normal physiological functioning. Deviations in the levels of essential elements such as Fe, Zn, and Cu, often caused by environmental factors, can lead to widespread deficiencies, particularly in children. These disruptions are associated with developmental delays, immune deficiencies, and an increased prevalence of chronic illnesses. Studies by Majitova (2001) revealed that nearly 89% of children in the Aral Region suffer from simultaneous damage to multiple organs and systems, with widespread deficiencies in growth and sexual development.

The use of hair as a biological substrate for studying the impacts of environmental factors on human health has gained recognition in recent years. Hair provides a non-invasive and reliable means of assessing the body’s macro- and microelement composition. Studies by Ustyushin and Istomin (1996) demonstrated the efficacy of hair analysis in monitoring adaptive responses and environmental exposure. In the Aral Region, spectral analysis of hair samples has been utilized to identify hypo- and hypermicroelementoses, revealing significant deficiencies in essential elements such as Cu, Zn, and Fe among children (Mirametova, 2023). This method has proven particularly useful in diagnosing mineral imbalances and evaluating adaptive reserves in children exposed to extreme environmental conditions.

The Aral Region crisis has also drawn attention to its broader implications for atmospheric dynamics. Research by Tleumurataeva (2009) and Revich (2001) highlighted how toxic aerosol dispersal, resulting from the desiccated Aral Sea bed, significantly alters atmospheric processes, including radiation and hydrological balances. These findings indicate that environmental changes in the region not only affect human health but also contribute to broader ecological transformations.

In conclusion, the literature underscores the interconnectedness of ecological, physiological, and health-related factors in regions undergoing environmental crises. While significant progress has been made in understanding the impact of macro- and microelement imbalances on children’s health, there remains a need for further research to establish comprehensive diagnostic and preventive measures. This study builds on existing research by employing spectral hair analysis to evaluate adaptive responses and health risks among children in the Aral Region, offering insights into their physiological resilience and vulnerability to environmental challenges.

Modern Development of Society and its Influence on Adaptive Mechanisms

The modern development of society and its scientific and technological progress increasingly influence both the adaptation to habitat conditions and the mechanisms by which organisms adjust to these conditions. Identifying risk factors, their role in the emergence of diseases, and their impact on health deterioration is one of the tasks of ecological physiology. It is important to consider that health results from the complex interaction between an individual's hereditary-constitutional characteristics and specific natural environmental factors [2, 10, 24].

The study of adaptation features to natural and climatic conditions, as well as the adaptation of representatives of various ethnic groups to physical and other environmental impacts, has been declared a priority in the field of biomedical research [2, 12, 14]. Existing materials indicate the presence of ethnic peculiarities in the manifestation of adaptive responses and their biochemical foundations [2, 21, 26, etc.].

Biochemical adaptive responses are primarily based on processes involving macro- and microelements [20]. Consequently, studying the elemental homeostasis of the organism is a crucial condition for researching ecological-physiological characteristics of adaptive responses to various environmental factors.

The Republic of Karakalpakstan, covering a total area of 164.9 thousand km², occupies the northwestern part of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The climate in Karakalpakstan is sharply continental and arid, characterized by extreme seasonal and daily temperature fluctuations. Located in the southern part of the modern Amu Darya delta amidst sandy expanses is Nukus, the capital of Karakalpakstan and its economic, administrative, and cultural center [1, 3, 9].

Medical and ecological studies in the Aral Region indicate that due to the irrational use of water resources, the large-scale and prolonged application of pesticides, and the lack of wastewater treatment facilities, the Aral Region has experienced significant pollution of its primary natural resources [4, 19, 23].

Transformations of the Near Aral Ecosystem Due to Abrupt Changes in Water Regime

The transformations of the Aral Region ecosystem resulting from abrupt changes in the water regime are numerous and diverse. Under the conditions of anthropogenic desertification, salt is transported from the dried seabed of the Aral Sea, the vegetation cover degrades, and the intensity of soil salinization processes increases [4].

In the context of the drying of the Aral Sea, this problem is exacerbated by the transport of toxic salts (sulfates and chlorides) from the exposed seabed (Fig. 1). Modeling of salt transport from the post-aquatic surface of the Aral Sea has revealed multiple exceedances of the maximum allowable concentrations (MAC) during salt-dust storms. The factor of dust-salt transport (70 million tons per year) has become the dominant contributor to the deterioration of air quality [4].

The impact of salt aerosols from the post-aquatic surface on the ecological situation in the southern Aral Region is not limited to soil salinization and vegetation degradation. It is well known that an increase in aerosol concentration in the air affects the kinetics and dynamics of atmospheric processes. The results of aerosol-radiation measurements [22], conducted in the Aral Region from 1979 to 1982 over the Aral Sea and its exposed territory during salt-dust transport events, demonstrated significant changes in the distribution of components of the radiation and hydrological balance in the "underlying surface-atmosphere" system [4, 22, 25, 27].

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Figure 1. Wind-Driven Salt Transport in 2002: Synthesized Image from NOAA Satellite

Preservation of the Adaptive Potential of the Body under Intense Anthropogenic Impact

The preservation of the body's adaptive potential under the intense influence of various anthropogenic factors remains one of the central problems of ecology and physiology. Individual adaptation is a lifelong process through which the body develops resistance to environmental factors, enabling it to survive in previously unsuitable conditions [23, 24].

Based on quantitative analyses, both domestic and foreign researchers agree that adverse ecological conditions, combined with sanitary-hygienic and medico-social factors, pose significant health risks, particularly for children, who represent the most vulnerable population group. Their health status is of particular concern [7, 10, 15, 16].

According to statistical data, in 2000, more than 500,000 children and adolescents aged 7 to 18 years lived in the Republic of Karakalpakstan, accounting for 37.7% of the total population of the republic [18]. According to calculations presented by L.G. Konstantinova and co-authors (2001), by 2005, the number of children in the Republic of Karakalpakstan was projected to reach 740,000, representing 42% of the total population.

Literature data indicate that in Karakalpakstan, the incidence of diseases among children and adolescents has increased by an average of 20.6% in recent years [9, 17]. According to Z. Majitova (2001), there are virtually no healthy children in the Aral Region; 89% of children suffer from simultaneous damage to multiple organs and systems. Additionally, half of the children in the region experience underweight, stunted growth, and delayed sexual maturation [12, 13].

At present, numerous researchers [1, 2, 10] have demonstrated that, alongside genetic factors, environmental factors significantly influence the development of a child’s body. The functional characteristics of children’s organisms—which are still underdeveloped both physiologically and psychologically and therefore most susceptible to various exogenous influences—are of great interest from ecological and physiological perspectives. This interest is essential for formulating a well-grounded prognosis regarding the functional reserves and health of the pediatric population in the Aral Sea region under the prevailing ecological conditions.

Materials and Methods

The study population consisted of 150 children aged 6 to 10 years, including 80 boys and 70 girls. Geographically, all participants were divided into three groups based on their place of permanent residence. The evaluation of the obtained results and their mathematical processing were conducted using methodologies recommended for biological research [8, 11], along with the data analysis tools in Microsoft Excel.

Statistical methods used for processing the collected data included determining the reliability of the obtained results using Student's t-test (with a significance level threshold of 95% (p<0.05)). Correlation analysis of the indicators among the compared groups was also performed, with the correlation coefficient R determined using Pearson's method (correlations were considered significant at a coefficient of 0.7 or higher) [8, 11].

The study of the impact of microelement deficiencies or excesses on human adaptation to environmental conditions and the occurrence of endemics is one of the emerging areas in ecological physiology. The stability of an organism's chemical composition is one of the most critical and essential conditions for its normal functioning. Deviations in the levels of chemical elements caused by environmental factors lead to health disturbances in the younger generation. Children and adolescents are particularly susceptible to diseases associated with disruptions in microelement balance. Hair composition is one of the first to respond to increased concentrations of many elements or a reduction in essential element levels (Figs. 2-5).

Figure 2. Spectral Analysis of Chemical Elements in Biosubstrates of Girls Living in the Republic of Karakalpakstan, 2023

Figure 3. Spectral Analysis of Chemical Elements in Biosubstrates of Boys Living in the Republic of Karakalpakstan, 2023

Figure 4. Spectral Analysis of Chemical Elements in Biosubstrates of Girls Living in the Khorezm Region, 2023

Figure 5. Spectral Analysis of Chemical Elements in Biosubstrates of Boys Living in the Khorezm Region, 2023

Results

Hair serves as the most suitable material for conducting eco-physiological studies. As a biological object, hair offers significant advantages over other biosubstrates. Its collection is simple, painless, and therefore invaluable for large-scale research.

In our study, we analyzed the multi-element composition of hair samples collected from boys and girls residing in the Aral Region, specifically in the Republic of Karakalpakstan and the Khorezm Region. The study provided data on the content of macro- and microelements in their hair (Table 1).

Table 1.

Indicators of Macro- and Microelement Composition of Hair in Children Residing in the Aral Region (mass%)

To provide context for the analysis of Fe, Zn, Ca, and Mn concentrations in children's hair, it is essential to reference the normal or permissible concentrations of these elements as established by other studies. Below is a summary of typical reference ranges for these elements in human hair based on previous research:

1. Iron (Fe):

• Normal concentration: 5–25 μg/g
• High levels of iron may indicate exposure to environmental contamination or supplementation, whereas low levels can reflect anemia or inadequate dietary intake.

2. Zinc (Zn):

• Normal concentration: 150–250 μg/g
• Zinc is a critical element for immune function and growth, and deviations from the normal range can indicate dietary imbalances or metabolic disorders.

3. Calcium (Ca):

• Normal concentration: 200–800 μg/g
• Calcium levels in hair reflect long-term dietary intake and metabolic utilization; deficiencies may suggest inadequate intake or malabsorption.

4. Manganese (Mn):

• Normal concentration: 0.2–2.0 μg/g
• Manganese is essential for enzymatic reactions, and deviations from normal levels can indicate environmental exposure or metabolic issues.

Discussion

These reference values are derived from studies conducted in different regions and populations, and slight variations may occur due to geographic, dietary, or methodological factors.

The analysis of children's hair in the Aral Region is particularly valuable as it provides a long-term record of exposure and nutritional status regarding these elements. Comparing the observed concentrations to these reference ranges helps diagnose potential mineral metabolism disorders and assess adaptive responses to environmental factors unique to the region.

The findings of this study align with and expand upon previous research on the elemental composition of children's hair in various regions worldwide. The spectral analysis of hair in children from the Aral Region revealed significant deficiencies and variations in the concentrations of certain elements, providing insights into the unique environmental and nutritional factors affecting children in this area.

The observed hypoelementoses for Cu, Zn, and Fe align with findings from other studies conducted in regions facing environmental and dietary challenges. For instance, research in industrially polluted areas of Eastern Europe and Asia has similarly reported low levels of Zn and Fe in children’s hair, often attributed to poor nutritional intake and environmental pollution. Zinc deficiency, in particular, has been widely documented in children from developing regions, linked to growth stunting and compromised immune function. The findings in the Aral Region reflect these global patterns, emphasizing the compounded impact of environmental and dietary stressors in these communities.

The absence of bromine (Br) in children from the Republic of Karakalpakstan and girls from the Khorezm Region is an unusual finding, as Br is typically present in trace amounts in human hair due to environmental exposure. This may be attributed to unique geochemical conditions or dietary factors limiting bromine availability in these areas. Similarly, the absence of chromium (Cr) in boys from Karakalpakstan and silicon (Si) in boys from the Khorezm Region aligns with observations in other studies that highlight the influence of soil composition and water quality on trace element presence. For example, studies conducted in North Africa and the Middle East have documented similar patterns, where regional environmental factors play a critical role in trace element availability.

The study also documented hypermicroelementoses, aligning with findings in other regions such as polluted areas of China and India, where elevated levels of certain elements in hair are linked to environmental contamination. Such findings highlight the significant impact of proximity to industrial or agricultural pollutants on elemental composition, further emphasizing the need for region-specific environmental interventions.

These findings provide valuable evidence of the risks associated with micronutrient imbalances among children living in environmentally compromised regions like the Aral Region. The absence or deficiency of essential elements such as Cu, Zn, and Fe has serious implications for health, including growth, cognitive development, and immune function. The unique absence of Br, Cr, and Si in specific groups of children highlights the need for tailored approaches that address both environmental and dietary challenges.

Further comparative studies are required to confirm these patterns in other ecologically stressed regions, and targeted nutritional and environmental interventions are essential to mitigate the effects of these elemental imbalances on children’s health. This study reinforces the importance of localized research and action in addressing the interplay between environmental factors and public health outcomes.

Thus, the conducted spectral analysis of the elemental composition of children's hair demonstrated that hair serves as an adequate bioindicator of the environmental state in the Aral Region. It allows for the assessment of macro- and microelement homeostasis, the adaptive reserves of children's bodies, and provides prognostic insights into trends in children's morbidity and the likelihood of disease development.

Conclusion

The findings of this study underscore the significant impact of the extreme environmental conditions in the Aral Region on children's health and adaptive responses. The spectral analysis of hair samples revealed notable macro- and microelement imbalances, including deficiencies in essential elements such as Cu, Zn, and Fe, which are critical for growth, development, and overall health. These findings highlight the vulnerability of children in this region, where environmental stressors exacerbate the risks of chronic health issues and developmental delays.

Hair analysis has proven to be an effective diagnostic tool for assessing the adaptive reserves of children and their exposure to environmental factors. The non-invasive nature of this method, combined with its ability to provide detailed insights into macro- and microelement composition, makes it particularly valuable for large-scale ecological and physiological studies. The results of this study demonstrate that hair serves as an adequate bioindicator for evaluating environmental impacts on health, aiding in the identification of at-risk populations and guiding preventive measures.

The data presented in this study contribute to the growing body of evidence on the ecological and physiological challenges faced by populations in regions affected by environmental crises. By identifying the most common hypo- and hypermicroelementoses and assessing their prevalence among children, this research provides critical insights into the health risks associated with macro- and microelement imbalances.

Future research should focus on developing targeted interventions to address these deficiencies and mitigate their impact on children's health. Comprehensive strategies that include nutritional support, environmental remediation, and continued monitoring of adaptive responses are essential for improving health outcomes in vulnerable populations. This study not only advances our understanding of the adaptive mechanisms of children in the Aral Region but also emphasizes the importance of integrating ecological and physiological approaches in addressing the health challenges posed by environmental crises.

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