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Roda E, Giampreti A, Vecchio S, Apostoli P, Coccini T. Mercury Vapour Long-Lasting Exposure: Lymphocyte Muscarinic Receptors as Neurochemical Markers of Accidental Intoxication. Case Rep Med 2016; 2016:9783876. [PMID: 27872646 PMCID: PMC5107828 DOI: 10.1155/2016/9783876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2016] [Revised: 08/31/2016] [Accepted: 10/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction. Chronic poisoning may result in home setting after mercury (Hg) vapours inhalation from damaged devices. We report a chronic, nonoccupational Hg poisoning due to 10-year indoor exposure to mercury spillage. Case Report. A 72-year-old man with polyneuropathy of suspected toxic origin. At hospitalization, toxicological clinical evaluations confirmed the altered neurological picture documented across the last decade. Periodic blood and urine Hg levels (BHg, UHg) monitoring were performed from admission (t0), until 1 year later (t2), paralleled by blood neurochemical markers assessment, that is, lymphocytes muscarinic receptors (l-MRs). At t0: BHg and UHg were 27 and 1.4 microg/L, respectively (normal values: BHg 1-4.5; UHg 0.1-4.5), associated with l-MRs increase, 185.82 femtomoL/million lymphocytes (normal range: 8.0-16.0). At t1 (two days after DMSA-mobilization test), BHg weak reduction, paralleled by UHg 3.7-fold increase, was measured together with further l-MRs enhancement (205.43 femtomoL/million lymphocytes). At t2 (eight months after two cycles of DMSA chelating therapy ending), gradual improving of clinical manifestations was accompanied by progressive decrease of BHg and UHg (4.0 and 2.8 microg/L, resp.) and peripheral l-MRs neurochemical marker (24.89 femtomoL/million lymphocytes). Conclusion. l-MRs modulatory effect supports their use as peripheral neurochemical marker in Hg poisoning diagnosis and chelation therapy monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- E. Roda
- Laboratory of Clinical & Experimental Toxicology and Poison Control Centre and National Toxicology Information Centre, Toxicology Unit, IRCCS Maugeri Foundation, Medical Institute of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - A. Giampreti
- Laboratory of Clinical & Experimental Toxicology and Poison Control Centre and National Toxicology Information Centre, Toxicology Unit, IRCCS Maugeri Foundation, Medical Institute of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - S. Vecchio
- Laboratory of Clinical & Experimental Toxicology and Poison Control Centre and National Toxicology Information Centre, Toxicology Unit, IRCCS Maugeri Foundation, Medical Institute of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - P. Apostoli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, Section of Public Health and Human Sciences, University of Brescia and Occupational Medicine, Hygiene, Toxicology and Prevention Unit, Civil Hospital of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - T. Coccini
- Laboratory of Clinical & Experimental Toxicology and Poison Control Centre and National Toxicology Information Centre, Toxicology Unit, IRCCS Maugeri Foundation, Medical Institute of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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Hassauer M, Kaiser E, Schneider K, Schuhmacher‐Wolz U. Collate the literature on toxicity data on mercury in experimental animals and humans (Part I – Data on organic mercury). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012. [DOI: 10.2903/sp.efsa.2012.en-297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Hassauer
- Forschungs‐ und Beratungsinstitut Gefahrstoffe GmbH (FoBiG) Freiburg Germany
| | - Eva Kaiser
- Forschungs‐ und Beratungsinstitut Gefahrstoffe GmbH (FoBiG) Freiburg Germany
| | - Klaus Schneider
- Forschungs‐ und Beratungsinstitut Gefahrstoffe GmbH (FoBiG) Freiburg Germany
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Murota K, Yoshida M, Ishibashi N, Yamazaki H, Minami T. Direct absorption of methyl mercury by lymph. Biol Trace Elem Res 2012; 145:349-54. [PMID: 21892592 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-011-9190-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2011] [Accepted: 08/22/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Methyl mercury is contained in fish and seafood products and is taken up into the body in food. While the central nervous system is known as a target organ, methyl mercury also induces autoimmunity and acts as a potent immunosuppressor. The aim of the present study is to know whether methyl mercury is directly absorbed by lymph. Conscious rats were infused with methyl mercury (4 mg/kg) via duodenal tubing as a single pulse infusion, followed by the continuous infusion of saline, and lymphatic fluids were continuously collected from the thoracic lymph duct every 30 min until 360 min after infusion. Mercury was detected immediately after infusion, and total mercury contents in lymph gradually increased until 90-120 min, remained steady, and then gradually decreased until 360 min; however, the amount of mercury collected during 330-360 min was about twofold higher than during 0-30 min. The amount of cumulative mercury in lymph at 360 min was 1.4 μg. In contrast, blood mercury concentration was 2.4 μg/ml 5 min after infusion, with the value at 360 min being 12.6 times higher than at 5 min. Plasma mercury concentration was 56 ng/ml at 5 min, with hundreds of nanograms per milliliter of mercury detected until 360 min. From the present study, it is concluded that some methyl mercury is directly absorbed by lymph and remains steady 6 h after infusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaeko Murota
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Science and Engineering, Kinki University, 3-4-1 Kowakae, Higashi-osaka, Osaka 577-8502, Japan
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Application of Neurochemical Markers for Assessing Health Effects after Developmental Methylmercury and PCB Coexposure. J Toxicol 2012; 2012:216032. [PMID: 22505887 PMCID: PMC3306999 DOI: 10.1155/2012/216032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2011] [Accepted: 10/21/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cholinergic muscarinic receptors (MRs) and monoamine oxidase activity (MAO-B), expressed both in brain and blood cells, were investigated in animals and exposed subjects to assess (i) MeHg (0.5–1 mg/kg/day GD7-PD7) and/or PCB153 (20 mg/kg/day GD10–GD16) effects on cerebellar MAO-B and MRs, and lymphocyte MRs, in dams and offspring 21 days postpartum; (ii) MAO-B in platelets and MRs in lymphocytes of a Faroese 7-year-old children cohort, prenatally exposed to MeHg/PCBs. Animal Data. MAO-B was altered in male cerebellum by MeHg, PCB153, and their combination (35%, 45%, and 25% decrease, resp.). Cerebellar MRs were enhanced by MeHg alone in dams (87%) and male pups (27%). PCB153 alone and in mixture did not modify cerebellar MRs. Similarly to brain, lymphocyte MRs were enhanced in both dams and offspring by MeHg alone. All changes were caused by 1 MeHg mg/kg/day, the lower dose was ineffective. Human Data. Both biomarkers showed homogeneous distributions within the cohort (MRs, range 0.1–36.78 fmol/million cells; MAO-B, 0.95–14.95 nmol/mg protein/h). No correlation was found between the two biomarkers and neurotoxicant concentrations in blood (pre- and postnatally).
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Abdalla F, Bellé L, De Bona K, Bitencourt P, Pigatto A, Moretto M. Allium sativum L. extract prevents methyl mercury-induced cytotoxicity in peripheral blood leukocytes (LS). Food Chem Toxicol 2010; 48:417-21. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2009.10.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2009] [Revised: 08/19/2009] [Accepted: 10/26/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Coccini T, Manzo L, Debes F, Steuerwald U, Weihe P, Grandjean P. No changes in lymphocyte muscarinic receptors and platelet monoamine oxidase-B examined as surrogate central nervous system biomarkers in a Faroese children cohort prenatally exposed to methylmercury and polychlorinated biphenyls. Biomarkers 2009; 14:67-76. [PMID: 19330584 DOI: 10.1080/13547500902783739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Experimental evidence suggests that monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) and muscarinic cholinergic receptors (mAChRs) are involved in the pathogenesis of neurotoxicity caused by methylmercury and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Blood samples from 7-year-old exposed children were analyzed for platelet MAO-B and lymphocyte mAChRs as potential markers of exposure to these neurotoxicants. The blood neurotoxicity biomarkers were compared with prenatal and current exposures and with neuropsychological test results. Both biomarkers showed homogeneous distributions within this cohort (mAChR, range 0.04-36.78 fmol/million cells; MAO-B, 0.95-14.95 nmol mg(-1) protein h(-1)). No correlation was found between the two biomarkers and either blood neurotoxicant concentrations or clinical findings. MAO-B and mAChR sensitivity may not be sufficiently high to assess early, subclinical responses to low/moderate methylmercury and/or PCB exposure, whereas these markers are significantly altered in sustained exposure scenarios, as shown by clinical studies in drug addicts or patients treated with psychopharmacological agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Coccini
- IRCCS Salvatore Maugeri Foundation, Toxicology Division, Institute of Pavia, Italy.
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Castoldi AF, Johansson C, Onishchenko N, Coccini T, Roda E, Vahter M, Ceccatelli S, Manzo L. Human developmental neurotoxicity of methylmercury: impact of variables and risk modifiers. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2008; 51:201-14. [PMID: 18367301 DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2008.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2007] [Revised: 01/28/2008] [Accepted: 01/30/2008] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) is a widespread environmental and food toxicant which has long been known to affect neurodevelopment in both humans and experimental animals. Risk assessment for MeHg is mainly based on human data coming from the massive episodes of poisoning in Japan and Iraq, as well as from large scale epidemiological studies concerning childhood development and neurotoxicity in relation to in utero exposure in various fish eating communities around the world. Despite the extensive literature and research, the threshold dose for MeHg neurotoxic effects is still unclear, in particular when it comes to subtle effects on neurobehaviour. In this article clinical and epidemiological findings concerning the neurodevelopmental toxicity of MeHg are reviewed. Much attention is focussed on the potential impact of factors, such as diet and nutrition, gender, pattern of exposure and co-exposure to other neurotoxic pollutants, which may modulate MeHg toxic effects. These factors, together with the notion that some symptoms may ensue or exacerbate with aging, contribute to the difficulties in the definition of safe levels for developmental exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna F Castoldi
- Toxicology Division, University of Pavia, Via Palestro 26, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
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Suriyo T, Thiantanawat A, Chaiyaroj SC, Parkpian P, Satayavivad J. Involvement of the lymphocytic muscarinic acetylcholine receptor in methylmercury-induced c-Fos expression and apoptosis in human leukemic T cells. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2008; 71:1109-1123. [PMID: 18569623 DOI: 10.1080/15287390802114725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) is an environmental toxicant that is known to induce lymphocyte apoptosis; however, little is known about the molecular mechanism involved. Data showed that MOLT-3 cells were more sensitive to MeHg-induced cytotoxic effects than Jurkat clone E6-1 cells, suggesting that the lymphocytic muscarinic cholinergic system may be involved since the expressions of five subtypes (M1-M5) of muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) in MOLT-3 cells are higher than in Jurkat cells. The role of mAChR-linked pathways in MeHg-induced apoptosis in human leukemic T cells was examined in this study. Treatment of the MOLT-3 cells with 1 microM MeHg produced induction of c-Fos expression, apoptotic cell death, and downregulation of mAChR. MeHg-induced c-Fos expression was significantly reduced by pretreatment with atropine (a nonselective mAChR antagonist), or 4-DAMP (a selective M1/M3 mAChR antagonist), whereas pirenzipine (a selective M1 mAChR antagonist) or himbazine (a selective M2/M4 mAChR antagonist) did not reduce this induction, suggesting that MeHg-induced c-Fos expression through the activation of the mAChR, at least M3 subtype, is involved. Pretreatment with 4-DAMP or SB 203580 (a specific p38 inhibitor) resulted in decreases in the level of phosphorylated p38, c-Fos expression, and apoptotic cell death induced by MeHg. Taken together, these data suggest that the mAChR-p38-dependent pathway participates in the increase of c-Fos expression, which is involved in MeHg-induced lymphocyte apoptosis. In addition, a noncytotoxic concentration of MeHg (0.1 microM) inhibited PHA/PMA-stimulated interleukin (IL)-2 production, and this inhibition was reversed by pretreatment with atropine or 4-DAMP. Overall, this study provides initial evidence that MeHg may alter the immune system by targeting the lymphocytic mAChR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tawit Suriyo
- Inter-University Program in Environmental Toxicology, Technology and Management, Asian Institute of Technology, Mahidol University and Chulabhorn Research Institute, Bangkok
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