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Saldaña-Villanueva K, González-Palomo AK, Méndez-Rodríguez KB, Gavilán-García A, Benítez-Arvizu G, Diaz-Barriga F, Alcantara-Quintana L, Pérez-Vázquez FJ. Serum levels of inflammatory cytokines in mercury mining workers in a precarious situation: A preliminary study. Toxicol Ind Health 2024; 40:134-143. [PMID: 38289205 DOI: 10.1177/07482337241229471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Mercury is a ubiquitous environmental xenobiotic; the primary sources of exposure to this metal are artisanal gold mining and the direct production of mercury. In Mexico, artisanal mercury mining continues to be an important activity in different regions of the country. Exposure to mercury vapors releases can have severe health impacts, including immunotoxic effects such as alterations in cytokine profiling. Therefore, in the present work, we evaluated the inflammatory cytokines profile in the blood serum of miners exposed to mercury. A cross-sectional observational study was performed on 27 mining workers (exposed group) and 20 control subjects (nonexposed group) from central Mexico. The mercury urine concentration (U-Hg) was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry, and IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and TNF-α were measured using a Multiplex Assay. The results showed that the U-Hg in the miners had a median value of 552.70 μg/g creatinine. All cytokines showed a significant increase in the miner group compared with the control group, except for TNF-α. In addition, we observed a positive correlation between U-Hg concentration and cytokine levels. In conclusion, mercury exposure correlated with cytokine levels (considered acute inflammatory marker) in miners; therefore, workers exposed to this metal show an acute systemic inflammation that could lead to alterations in other organs and systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelvin Saldaña-Villanueva
- Coordinación Para la Innovación y la Aplicación de la Ciencia y la Tecnología (CIACyT), Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, México
| | - Ana K González-Palomo
- Coordinación Para la Innovación y la Aplicación de la Ciencia y la Tecnología (CIACyT), Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, México
| | - Karen B Méndez-Rodríguez
- Coordinación Para la Innovación y la Aplicación de la Ciencia y la Tecnología (CIACyT), Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, México
| | - Arturo Gavilán-García
- Instituto Nacional de Ecología y Cambio Climático, Secretaría de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Gamaliel Benítez-Arvizu
- Banco de Sangre Unidad Médica de Alta Especialidad (UMAE), Hospital de Especialidades Centro Medico Nacional Siglo XXI, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Fernando Diaz-Barriga
- Coordinación Para la Innovación y la Aplicación de la Ciencia y la Tecnología (CIACyT), Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, México
| | - Luz Alcantara-Quintana
- Coordinación Para la Innovación y la Aplicación de la Ciencia y la Tecnología (CIACyT), Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, México
| | - Francisco J Pérez-Vázquez
- Coordinación Para la Innovación y la Aplicación de la Ciencia y la Tecnología (CIACyT), Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, México
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Crespo-Lopez ME, Barthelemy JL, Lopes-Araújo A, Santos-Sacramento L, Leal-Nazaré CG, Soares-Silva I, Macchi BM, do Nascimento JLM, Arrifano GDP, Augusto-Oliveira M. Revisiting Genetic Influence on Mercury Exposure and Intoxication in Humans: A Scoping Review. TOXICS 2023; 11:967. [PMID: 38133368 PMCID: PMC10747380 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11120967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Human intoxication to mercury is a worldwide health problem. In addition to the type and length of exposure, the genetic background plays an important role in mercury poisoning. However, reviews on the genetic influence in mercury toxicity are scarce and not systematic. Therefore, this review aimed to systematically overview the most recent evidence on the genetic influence (using single nucleotide polymorphisms, SNPs) on human mercury poisoning. Three different databases (PubMed/Medline, Web of Science and Scopus) were searched, and 380 studies were found that were published from 2015 to 2022. After applying inclusion/exclusion criteria, 29 studies were selected and data on characteristics (year, country, profile of participants) and results (mercury biomarkers and quantitation, SNPs, main findings) were extracted and analyzed. The largest number of studies was performed in Brazil, mainly involving traditional populations of the Tapajós River basin. Most studies evaluated the influence of the SNPs related to genes of the glutathione system (GST, GPx, etc.), the ATP-binding cassette transporters and the metallothionein proteins. The recent findings regarding other SNPs, such as those of apolipoprotein E and brain-derived neurotrophic factor genes, are also highlighted. The importance of the exposure level is discussed considering the possible biphasic behavior of the genetic modulation phenomena that could explain some SNP associations. Overall, recommendations are provided for future studies based on the analysis obtained in this scoping review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Elena Crespo-Lopez
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil (L.S.-S.); (C.G.L.-N.)
| | - Jean Ludger Barthelemy
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil (L.S.-S.); (C.G.L.-N.)
| | - Amanda Lopes-Araújo
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil (L.S.-S.); (C.G.L.-N.)
| | - Leticia Santos-Sacramento
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil (L.S.-S.); (C.G.L.-N.)
| | - Caio Gustavo Leal-Nazaré
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil (L.S.-S.); (C.G.L.-N.)
| | - Isabela Soares-Silva
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil (L.S.-S.); (C.G.L.-N.)
| | - Barbarella M. Macchi
- Laboratório de Neuroquímica Molecular e Celular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil (J.L.M.d.N.)
| | - José Luiz M. do Nascimento
- Laboratório de Neuroquímica Molecular e Celular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil (J.L.M.d.N.)
| | - Gabriela de Paula Arrifano
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil (L.S.-S.); (C.G.L.-N.)
| | - Marcus Augusto-Oliveira
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil (L.S.-S.); (C.G.L.-N.)
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3
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Zhou F, Ouyang L, Xie J, Liu S, Li Q, Yang S, Li J, Su R, Rao S, Yan L, Wan X, Cheng H, Liu P, Li L, Zhu Y, Du G, Feng C, Fan G. Co-exposure to low-dose lead, cadmium, and mercury promotes memory deficits in rats: Insights from the dynamics of dendritic spine pruning in brain development. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 264:115425. [PMID: 37660527 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg) are environmentally toxic heavy metals that can be simultaneously detected at low levels in the blood of the general population. Although our previous studies have demonstrated neurodevelopmental toxicity upon co-exposure to these heavy metals at these low levels, the precise mechanisms remain largely unknown. Dendritic spines are the structural foundation of memory and undergo significant dynamic changes during development. This study focused on the dynamics of dendritic spines during brain development following Pb, Cd, and Hg co-exposure-induced memory impairment. First, the dynamic characteristics of dendritic spines in the prefrontal cortex were observed throughout the life cycle of normal rats. We observed that dendritic spines increased rapidly from birth to their peak value at weaning, followed by significant pruning and a decrease during adolescence. Dendritic spines tended to be stable until their loss in old age. Subsequently, a rat model of low-dose Pb, Cd, and Hg co-exposure from embryo to adolescence was established. The results showed that exposure to low doses of heavy metals equivalent to those detected in the blood of the general population impaired spatial memory and altered the dynamics of dendritic spine pruning from weaning to adolescence. Proteomic analysis of brain and blood samples suggested that differentially expressed proteins upon heavy metal exposure were enriched in dendritic spine-related cytoskeletal regulation and axon guidance signaling pathways and that cofilin was enriched in both of these pathways. Further experiments confirmed that heavy metal exposure altered actin cytoskeleton dynamics and disturbed the dendritic spine pruning-related LIM domain kinase 1-cofilin pathway in the rat prefrontal cortex. Our findings demonstrate that low-dose Pb, Cd, and Hg co-exposure may promote memory impairment by perturbing dendritic spine dynamics through dendritic spine pruning-related signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fankun Zhou
- Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China
| | - Lu Ouyang
- Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China
| | - Jie Xie
- Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China
| | - Sisi Liu
- Jiangxi Academy of Medical Science, Nanchang 330006, PR China
| | - Qi Li
- Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China
| | - Shuo Yang
- Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China
| | - Jiajun Li
- Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China
| | - Rui Su
- Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China
| | - Shaoqi Rao
- Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China
| | - Lingyu Yan
- Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China
| | - Xin Wan
- Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China
| | - Hui Cheng
- Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China
| | - Peishan Liu
- Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China
| | - Lingling Li
- Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China
| | - Yanhui Zhu
- Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China
| | - Guihua Du
- Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China
| | - Chang Feng
- Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China
| | - Guangqin Fan
- Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China.
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4
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Ferreira G, Santander A, Chavarría L, Cardozo R, Savio F, Sobrevia L, Nicolson GL. Functional consequences of lead and mercury exposomes in the heart. Mol Aspects Med 2021; 87:101048. [PMID: 34785060 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2021.101048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Lead and mercury are heavy metals that are highly toxic to life forms. There are no known physiological processes that require them, and they do not have a particular threshold concentration to produce biologic damage. They are non-biodegradable, and they slowly accumulate in the environment in a dynamic equilibrium between air, water, soil, food, and living organisms. Their accumulation in the environment has been increasing over time, because they were not banned from use in anthropogenic industrial production. In their +2 cationic state they are powerful oxidizing agents with the ability to interfere significantly with processes that require specific divalent cations. Acute or chronic exposure to lead and mercury can produce multisystemic damage, especially in the developing nervous systems of children and fetuses, resulting in variety of neurological consequences. They can also affect the cardiovascular system and especially the heart, either directly through their action on cardiomyocytes or indirectly through their effects on innervation, humoral responses or blood vessel alterations. For example, heart function modified by these heavy metals are heart rate, contraction, excitability, and rhythm. Some cardiac molecular targets have been identified and characterized. The direct mechanisms of damage of these heavy metals on heart function are discussed. We conclude that exposome to these heavy metals, should be considered as a major relevant risk factor for cardiac diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gonzalo Ferreira
- Laboratory of Ion Channels, Biological Membranes and Cell Signaling. Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de la República, Gral. Flores, 2125, CP 11800, Montevideo, Uruguay.
| | - Axel Santander
- Laboratory of Ion Channels, Biological Membranes and Cell Signaling. Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de la República, Gral. Flores, 2125, CP 11800, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Luisina Chavarría
- Laboratory of Ion Channels, Biological Membranes and Cell Signaling. Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de la República, Gral. Flores, 2125, CP 11800, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Romina Cardozo
- Laboratory of Ion Channels, Biological Membranes and Cell Signaling. Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de la República, Gral. Flores, 2125, CP 11800, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Florencia Savio
- Laboratory of Ion Channels, Biological Membranes and Cell Signaling. Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de la República, Gral. Flores, 2125, CP 11800, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Luis Sobrevia
- Cellular and Molecular Physiology Laboratory (CMPL), Department of Obstetrics, Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, 8330024, Chile; Department of Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, E-41012, Spain; Medical School (Faculty of Medicine), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Brazil; University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research (UQCCR), Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, Herston, QLD 4029, Queensland, Australia; Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713GZ, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Garth L Nicolson
- Department of Molecular Pathology, The Institute for Molecular Medicine, 16731 Gothard St. Huntington Beach, California, 92647, USA
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Beamish CR, Love TM, Rand MD. Developmental Toxicology of Metal Mixtures in Drosophila: Unique Properties of Potency and Interactions of Mercury Isoforms. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:12131. [PMID: 34830013 PMCID: PMC8620836 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Mercury ranks third on the U.S. Agency of Toxic Substances and Disease Registry priority list of hazardous substances, behind only arsenic and lead. We have undertaken uncovering the mechanisms underlying the developmental toxicity of methylmercury (MeHg), inorganic mercury (HgCl2), lead acetate (Pb), and sodium arsenite (As). To probe these differences, we used the Drosophila model, taking advantage of three developmental transitions-pupariation, metamorphosis, and eclosion-to differentiate potentially unique windows of toxicity. We elaborated dose response profiles for each individual metal administered in food and accounted for internal body burden, also extending analyses to evaluate combinatorial metal mixture effects. We observed all four metals producing larval lethality and delayed pupariation, with MeHg being most potent. Compared to other metals, MeHg's potency is caused by a higher body burden with respect to dose. MeHg uniquely caused dose-dependent failure in eclosion that was unexpectedly rescued by titrating in HgCl2. Our results highlight a unique developmental window and toxicokinetic properties where MeHg acts with specificity relative to HgCl2, Pb, and As. These findings will serve to refine future studies aimed at revealing tissue morphogenesis events and cell signaling pathways, potentially conserved in higher organisms, that selectively mediate MeHg toxicity and its antagonism by HgCl2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine R. Beamish
- Department of Environmental Medicine, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA;
| | - Tanzy M. Love
- Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA;
| | - Matthew D. Rand
- Department of Environmental Medicine, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA;
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Rakete S, Asenbauer E, Böhm S, Leiz S, Peters J, Nowak D, Bose-O'Reilly S. Mercury poisoning of a 4-year-old child by indirect contact to a mercury-containing facial cream: A case report. SAGE Open Med Case Rep 2021; 9:2050313X211025227. [PMID: 34262770 PMCID: PMC8243084 DOI: 10.1177/2050313x211025227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
We report the severe mercury poisoning of a 4-year-old child by a so far unknown
route of exposure, namely, by skin-to-skin contact. The child was admitted to
the hospital with episodic pain in his extremities, tachycardia, hypertension,
increased sweating, behavioral changes and weight loss. Extensive examinations
eventually revealed an acute mercury poisoning. The initial mercury levels were
19 µg/L in urine (reference level 0.4 µg/L) and 37 µg/L in blood (reference
level 0.8 µg/L). A facial cream bought online, containing approximately 18%
mercury, was identified as the primary source of intoxication. The symptoms
improved after disposal of the cream and chelation therapy. Further analyses,
home visits and interviews suggested that the child was accidently intoxicated
by skin-to-skin contact with the mother, although other routes of exposure such
as dust ingestion and surface-to-skin contact cannot be excluded. The mercury
levels in urine and blood samples of the child and other family members as well
as in domestic dust samples decreased considerably over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Rakete
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Susann Böhm
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Steffen Leiz
- Department of Pediatrics, Klinikum Dritter Orden, Munich, Germany
| | - Jochen Peters
- Department of Pediatrics, Klinikum Dritter Orden, Munich, Germany
| | - Dennis Nowak
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Stephan Bose-O'Reilly
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.,University Children's Hospital Regensburg (KUNO-Clinics), Clinic St. Hedwig, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.,Department of Public Health, Health Services Research and Health Technology Assessment, UMIT-Private University for Health Sciences, Medical Informatics and Technology, Hall in Tirol, Austria
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7
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Dórea JG. Neurodevelopment and exposure to neurotoxic metal(loid)s in environments polluted by mining, metal scrapping and smelters, and e-waste recycling in low and middle-income countries. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 197:111124. [PMID: 33861977 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This review covers a wide body of literature to gain an understanding of the impacts of informal activities related to metal extraction (primary mining and recycling) on early life exposure to neurotoxicants and on neurodevelopment. In primary mining, gold extraction with Hg amalgamation is the main environmental cause of Hg pollution in most artisanal small-scale gold mining (ASGM) activities around the world. Nevertheless, in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), Pb disrupted from gold-related ores, mining, and artisanal cookware production are an important neurotoxicant that seriously contaminates the affected population, with devastating effects on children. In e-waste recycling settings, the range of neurotoxic substances that contaminate mothers and children is wider than in primary mining environments. Thus, Hg and Pb are major pre- and postnatal neurotoxicants affecting children in the informal metal extraction activities and SSA countries show the highest record of human contamination and of neurotoxic effects on children. There are additional sources of neurotoxic contamination from mining and metal processing activities (cyanide tailing in South America and SSA) and/or co-exposure to Hg-containing products such as cosmetics (soaps and Hg-based skin lightning creams in Africa) and pediatric Thimerosal-containing vaccines (TCVs, that breaks down to ethyl-mercury) in current use in middle and low income countries. However, the action of these neurotoxicants (per se or in combination) on children needs more attention and research. Studies show a negative association between biomarkers of all environmental metal(loid)s (As, Cd, Hg, Mn, and Pb) studied and neurodevelopment in young children. Sadly, in many unregulated activities, child labor is widely employed, thus presenting an additional occupational exposure. Children living in polluted environments related to metal processing are disproportionately exposed to a wide range of co-occurring neurotoxic substances. The review showed compelling evidence from highly representative parts of the world (Africa, Asia, and Latin America) that the studied neurotoxic substances negatively affected areas of the brain associated with language, memory and executive function, as well as psychosocial behavior. Protecting the environment and children from unregulated and highly polluting metal extraction and processing are inextricably intertwined and deserve urgent attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- José G Dórea
- Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, 70919-970, DF, Brazil.
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8
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Personalized Prevention in Mercury-Induced Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Case Report. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/app10217839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Chronic exposure to low levels of mercury is involved in the development of motor neuron diseases (MND). Genetic alterations may have a crucial role in the onset and progression. We presented a case of a TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1)-mutated 54-year-old male worker who developed a MND due to chronic mercury exposure at work. He was employed in a chlor-alkali plant in Central Italy. After two years of employment he had acute mercury intoxication with suggestive neurological symptoms and a high urinary level of the metal. Through years, many episodes of intoxication occurred, but he continued to perform the same job and be exposed to mercury. After yet another episode of intoxication in 2013, he showed fasciculations of the upper limbs and trunk, and electromyographic activity patterns were consistent with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In 2016, a genetic test revealed a mutation of TBK1, an ALS-related gene. This case highlights the important role of genetics in personalized occupational medicine. Occupational physicians should use genetic tests to identify conditions of individual susceptibility in workers with documented frequent episodes of mercury intoxication recorded during health surveillance programs to customize prevention measures in the workplace and act before damage appears.
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How Occupational Mercury Neurotoxicity Is Affected by Genetic Factors. A Systematic Review. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/app10217706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Occupational exposure to elemental mercury still represents a significant risk in the workplace. The sensitivity of the exposed subjects varies considerably. This study aims to summarize the literature on the role of genetic factors in occupationally exposed cohorts. A systematic search of the literature was carried out on PubMed Central (PMC), MEDLINE, and Google Scholar databases in accordance with the “Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses” (PRISMA) guidelines, from 1946 to July 2020. Ten cross-sectional studies were included in the review. All studies referred to the polymorphisms that can favour some neurotoxic effects of the metal in occupational cohorts. Some genetic variants may be associated with an increase in the occupational effects of mercury. Given the limited evidence, genetic screening of all mercury-exposed workers is not recommended. However, a personalized search for polymorphisms could be taken into consideration if exposed workers report early neurotoxic symptoms.
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10
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Pamphlett R, Kum Jew S, Doble PA, Bishop DP. Elemental imaging shows mercury in cells of the human lateral and medial geniculate nuclei. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0231870. [PMID: 32320439 PMCID: PMC7176133 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0231870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Interference with the transmission of sensory signals along visual and auditory pathways has been implicated in the pathogenesis of hallucinations. The relay centres for vision (the lateral geniculate nucleus) and hearing (the medial geniculate nucleus) appear to be susceptible to the uptake of circulating mercury. We therefore investigated the distribution of mercury in cells of both these geniculate nuclei. MATERIALS AND METHODS Paraffin-embedded tissue sections containing the lateral geniculate nucleus were obtained from 50 adults (age range 20-104 years) who at autopsy had a variety of clinicopathological conditions, including neurological and psychiatric disorders. The medial geniculate nucleus was present in seven sections. Sections were stained for mercury using autometallography. Laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry was used to confirm the presence of mercury. RESULTS Ten people had mercury in cells of the lateral geniculate nucleus, and in the medial geniculate nucleus of three of these. Medical diagnoses in these individuals were: none (3), Parkinson disease (3), and one each of depression, bipolar disorder, multiple sclerosis, and mercury self-injection. Mercury was distributed in different groups of geniculate capillary endothelial cells, neurons, oligodendrocytes, and astrocytes. Mass spectrometry confirmed the presence of mercury. CONCLUSION Mercury is present in different combinations of cell types in the lateral and medial geniculate nuclei in a proportion of people from varied backgrounds. This raises the possibility that mercury-induced impairment of the function of the geniculate nuclei could play a part in the genesis of visual and auditory hallucinations. Although these findings do not provide a direct link between mercury in geniculate cells and hallucinations, they suggest that further investigations into the possibility of toxicant-induced hallucinations are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger Pamphlett
- Discipline of Pathology, Brain and Mind Centre, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Department of Neuropathology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Stephen Kum Jew
- Discipline of Pathology, Brain and Mind Centre, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Philip A. Doble
- Elemental Bio-Imaging Facility, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David P. Bishop
- Elemental Bio-Imaging Facility, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Zhou F, Yin G, Gao Y, Ouyang L, Liu S, Jia Q, Yu H, Zha Z, Wang K, Xie J, Fan Y, Shao L, Feng C, Fan G. Insights into cognitive deficits caused by low-dose toxic heavy metal mixtures and their remediation through a postnatal enriched environment in rats. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2020; 388:122081. [PMID: 31958610 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.122081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 12/27/2019] [Accepted: 01/12/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The heavy metals, namely lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg), have been studied extensively in various independent studies. It has been seen that these metals are usually detected simultaneously in the human blood at low levels. However, it is unknown whether exposure to these heavy metal mixtures (MM) can induce neurological damages at these low levels. Therefore, we investigated the influence of the Pb, Cd, and Hg mixture on the nervous system in rats at exposure doses equivalent to those normally found in the human blood. After pregnant rats being exposed to MM via drinking water throughout the gestation and lactation, their offspring were followed-up till adulthood. MM caused cognitive deficits and impairments in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, MM disrupted dendritic spines, the structural basis of learning and memory, and induced changes in spine-related pathways. Meanwhile, we explored an early and safe way to remedy these impairments through a postnatal enriched environment. The enriched environment ameliorated MM-impaired cognitive function, synaptic plasticity, and spine-related pathways. This study demonstrated that low-dose co-exposure to Pb, Cd, and Hg can cause cognitive and synaptic plasticity deficits and timely intervention through the enriched environment has a certain corrective effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fankun Zhou
- Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China
| | - Guangming Yin
- Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China
| | - Yanyan Gao
- Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China
| | - Lu Ouyang
- Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China
| | - Sisi Liu
- Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China
| | - Qiyue Jia
- Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China
| | - Han Yu
- Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China
| | - Zhipeng Zha
- Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China
| | - Kai Wang
- Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China
| | - Jie Xie
- Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China
| | - Ying Fan
- Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China
| | - Lijian Shao
- Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China
| | - Chang Feng
- Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China
| | - Guangqin Fan
- Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China.
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A novel, anthracene-based naked eye probe for detecting Hg2+ ions in aqueous as well as solid state media. Microchem J 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2019.104508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Pamphlett R, Satgunaseelan L, Kum Jew S, Doble PA, Bishop DP. Elemental bioimaging shows mercury and other toxic metals in normal breast tissue and in breast cancers. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0228226. [PMID: 32004334 PMCID: PMC6993973 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0228226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Exposure to toxic metals such as mercury has been proposed to be a risk factor for the development of breast cancer since some metals can promote genetic mutations and epigenetic changes. We sought to find what toxic metals are present in normal breast tissue and in the tumours of women who had mastectomies for invasive ductal breast carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded blocks from mastectomies for breast carcinoma were examined from 50 women aged 34-69 years. Paraffin blocks selected for elemental analysis were from breast tissue not involved by carcinoma and from the carcinoma itself. Seven micrometer-thick sections were stained with autometallography to demonstrate the presence of mercury, and subjected to laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) to confirm the presence of mercury and to detect other toxic metals. RESULTS Autometallography-detected mercury was seen in intraductal secretions and some luminal epithelial cells of normal breast lobules in 26 (55%) of the 47 samples where lobules were present, and in 10 (23%) of carcinomas from the 44 samples where carcinoma was present. In eight samples ductal carcinoma in situ was present and one of these contained mercury. LA-ICP-MS confirmed the presence of mercury in samples that stained with autometallography, and detected lead, iron, nickel, aluminium, chromium and cadmium in some samples. CONCLUSIONS Mercury was present in normal breast lobules in more than half of mastectomy samples that contained an invasive carcinoma, and in a smaller proportion of carcinomas and ductal carcinomas in situ. Other toxic metals that may interact synergistically with mercury could be detected in some samples. These findings do not provide direct evidence that toxic metals such as mercury play a role in the pathogenesis of breast cancer, but suggest that future molecular biological investigations on the role of toxic metals in breast cancer are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger Pamphlett
- Discipline of Pathology, Sydney Medical School, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Neuropathology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Laveniya Satgunaseelan
- Department of Tissue Pathology and Diagnostic Oncology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Stephen Kum Jew
- Discipline of Pathology, Sydney Medical School, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Philip A. Doble
- Elemental Bio-Imaging Facility, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David P. Bishop
- Elemental Bio-Imaging Facility, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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