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Mercury and cancer: Where are we now after two decades of research? Food Chem Toxicol 2022; 164:113001. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2022.113001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Methylmercury and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Mediterranean Seafood: A Molecular Anthropological Perspective. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/app112311179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Eating seafood has numerous health benefits; however, it constitutes one of the main sources of exposure to several harmful environmental pollutants, both of anthropogenic and natural origin. Among these, methylmercury and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons give rise to concerns related to their possible effects on human biology. In the present review, we summarize the results of epidemiological investigations on the genetic component of individual susceptibility to methylmercury and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons exposure in humans, and on the effects that these two pollutants have on human epigenetic profiles (DNA methylation). Then, we provide evidence that Mediterranean coastal communities represent an informative case study to investigate the potential impact of methylmercury and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons on the human genome and epigenome, since they are characterized by a traditionally high local seafood consumption, and given the characteristics that render the Mediterranean Sea particularly polluted. Finally, we discuss the challenges of a molecular anthropological approach to this topic.
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Weyde KVF, Olsen AK, Duale N, Kamstra JH, Skogheim TS, Caspersen IH, Engel SM, Biele G, Xia Y, Meltzer HM, Aase H, Villanger GD. Gestational blood levels of toxic metal and essential element mixtures and associations with global DNA methylation in pregnant women and their infants. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 787:147621. [PMID: 34000534 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.147621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pregnant women and their fetuses are exposed to multiple toxic metals that together with variations in essential element levels may alter epigenetic regulation, such as DNA methylation. OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was to investigate the associations between gestational levels of toxic metals and essential elements and mixtures thereof, with global DNA methylation levels in pregnant women and their newborn children. METHODS Using 631 mother-child pairs from a prospective birth cohort (The Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study), we measured maternal blood concentration (gestation week ~18) of five toxic metals and seven essential elements. We investigated associations as individual exposures and two-way interactions, using elastic net regression, and total mixture, using quantile g-computation, with blood levels of 5-methylcytocine (5mC) and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) in mothers during pregnancy and their newborn children (cord blood). Multiple testing was adjusted for using the Benjamini and Hochberg false discovery rate (FDR) approach. RESULTS The most sensitive marker of DNA methylation appeared to be 5mC levels. In pregnant mothers, elastic net regression indicated associations between 5mC and selenium and lead (non-linear), while in newborns results indicated relationships between maternal selenium, cobalt (non-linear) and mercury and 5mC, as well as copper (non-linear) and 5hmC levels. Several possible two-way interactions were identified (e.g. arsenic and mercury, and selenium and maternal smoking in newborns). None of these findings met the FDR threshold for multiple testing. No net effect was observed in the joint (mixture) exposure-approach using quantile g-computation. CONCLUSION We identified few associations between gestational levels of several toxic metals and essential elements and global DNA methylation in pregnant mothers and their newborn children. As DNA methylation dysregulation might be a key mechanism in disease development and thus of high importance for public health, our results should be considered as important candidates to investigate in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nur Duale
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jorke H Kamstra
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Stephanie M Engel
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Guido Biele
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway; Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Yankai Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | | | - Heidi Aase
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
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Szabo L, Molnar R, Tomesz A, Deutsch A, Darago R, Nowrasteh G, Varjas T, Nemeth B, Budan F, Kiss I. The effects of flavonoids, green tea polyphenols and coffee on DMBA induced LINE-1 DNA hypomethylation. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0250157. [PMID: 33878138 PMCID: PMC8057585 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0250157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [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: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The intake of carcinogenic and chemopreventive compounds are important nutritional factors related to the development of malignant tumorous diseases. Repetitive long interspersed element-1 (LINE-1) DNA methylation pattern plays a key role in both carcinogenesis and chemoprevention. In our present in vivo animal model, we examined LINE-1 DNA methylation pattern as potential biomarker in the liver, spleen and kidney of mice consuming green tea (Camellia sinensis) extract (catechins 80%), a chinese bayberry (Morella rubra) extract (myricetin 80%), a flavonoid extract (with added resveratrol) and coffee (Coffee arabica) extract. In the organs examined, carcinogen 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)-induced hypomethylation was prevented by all test materials except chinese bayberry extract in the kidneys. Moreover, the flavonoid extract caused significant hypermethylation in the liver compared to untreated controls and to other test materials. The tested chemopreventive substances have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties and regulate molecular biological signaling pathways. They increase glutathione levels, induce antioxidant enzymes, which decrease free radical damage caused by DMBA, and ultimately, they are able to increase the activity of DNA methyltransferase enzymes. Furthermore, flavonoids in the liver may inhibit the procarcinogen to carcinogen activation of DMBA through the inhibition of CYP1A1 enzyme. At the same time, paradoxically, myricetin can act as a prooxidant as a result of free radical damage, which can explain that it did not prevent hypomethylation in the kidneys. Our results demonstrated that LINE-1 DNA methylation pattern is a useful potential biomarker for detecting and monitoring carcinogenic and chemopreventive effects of dietary compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laszlo Szabo
- Department of Public Health Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Richard Molnar
- Department of Public Health Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Andras Tomesz
- Department of Public Health Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Arpad Deutsch
- Department of Public Health Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Richard Darago
- Department of Public Health Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | | | - Timea Varjas
- Department of Public Health Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Balazs Nemeth
- Department of Public Health Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Ferenc Budan
- Department of Public Health Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Institute of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Pannonia, Veszprém, Hungary
- Szentagothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Istvan Kiss
- Department of Public Health Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
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Saad-Hussein A, Taha MM. Epigenetic study of global gene methylation in PON1, XRCC1 and GSTs different genotypes in rural and urban pesticide exposed workers. JOURNAL OF COMPLEMENTARY & INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE 2020; 17:/j/jcim.ahead-of-print/jcim-2019-0166/jcim-2019-0166.xml. [PMID: 32543462 DOI: 10.1515/jcim-2019-0166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Background Epigenetic represents a study of occurred heritable gene expression changes without changing in the DNA sequence. It includes DNA methylation and miRNA expression that attract increasing attention as potential links between the genetic and environmental determinants of health and disease. Pesticide exposure is associated with adverse health effects and DNA methylation due to oxidative stress induced following its exposure. This study aimed to define the association of genetic polymorphisms of XRCC1, PON1, GSTP1 and GST genes with global genes DNA methylation in urban and rural occupationally pesticides exposed workers. Methods This study included 100 pesticides exposed workers; 50 rural sprayers (RE) and 50 urban researchers (UE). Controls included equal numbers. DNA methylation of global genes was evaluated by pyrosequencing assay. XRCC1, PON1 and GSTP1 genotyping were assessed by PCR-RFLP, and GST M1 and T1 were performed by PCR. Results The results of this study revealed that most genotypes in XRCC1, PON1, GSTP1 and GST genes were associated with LINE-1 hypomethylation among UE group. However, heterozygote genotypes (Gln-Arg and Ile-Val) in XRCC1 and GSTP1 genes, respectively, were associated with LINE-1 hypermethylation among UE compared with other corresponding genotypes. Only GSTT1 polymorphism recorded a significant change in percent methylation of Alu elements among urban and rural groups. Conclusion Urbanization could play an additional risk for epigenetic changes associated with pesticide exposure, and that could be attributed to the quality of life including their dietary habits, working and living in closed areas, and their exposure to extra pollutions emitted from urbanization sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amal Saad-Hussein
- Environmental & Occupational Medicine, National Research Centre, El-Behouth Street, Dokki Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mona Mohamed Taha
- Environmental & Occupational Medicine, National Research Centre, El-Behouth Street, Dokki Cairo, Egypt
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Valdelamar-Villegas J, Olivero-Verbel J. High Mercury Levels in the Indigenous Population of the Yaigojé Apaporis National Natural Park, Colombian Amazon. Biol Trace Elem Res 2020; 194:3-12. [PMID: 31222622 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-019-01760-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) use in artisanal gold mining in the Colombian Amazon is widespread, and little is known about the exposure on local indigenous people. The aim of this study was to assess the levels of total Hg (T-Hg) in human hair on the Yaigojé Apaporis National Natural Park, Colombia, at the Colombian Amazon, specifically at the communities of Bocas de Taraira, Ñumi, Vista Hermosa, and Bocas de Uga. Total-Hg levels were measured using a direct mercury analyzer. The mean ± SD (min-max) of the T-Hg level in human hair volunteers was 23.0 ± 1.2 μg/g (2.6-63.7 μg/g). T-Hg concentrations increase from upstream to downstream localities, with the highest average observed at Bocas de Taraira (34.9 ± 2.4 μg/g); to the best of our knowledge, the highest value reported for an indigenous community in Latin America. Ninety-three percent of all examined individuals had T-Hg concentrations greater than the WHO "threshold" level (5 μg/g) and 86% displayed levels higher than 10 μg/g in hair. Mercury levels correlated with fish consumption frequency (r = 0.27, p = 0.008). Risk assessment analysis showed that 85.5% of the analyzed participants have a 60% chance of developing adverse neurological effects and 50% of women at reproductive age are at risk of having children with intelligence quotient reduced by up to four points. Since the consumption of carnivorous fish is the main factor for Hg exposure, it is necessary to implement strategies to reduce their presence in the diet, without undermining cultural traditions. The Colombian government must assume control of this devastating situation and immediately halt mining activities in this natural park of global importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Valdelamar-Villegas
- Environmental and Computational Chemistry Group, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zaragocilla Campus, University of Cartagena, Cartagena, 130015, Colombia
| | - Jesus Olivero-Verbel
- Environmental and Computational Chemistry Group, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zaragocilla Campus, University of Cartagena, Cartagena, 130015, Colombia.
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Perera BP, Faulk C, Svoboda LK, Goodrich JM, Dolinoy DC. The role of environmental exposures and the epigenome in health and disease. ENVIRONMENTAL AND MOLECULAR MUTAGENESIS 2020; 61:176-192. [PMID: 31177562 PMCID: PMC7252203 DOI: 10.1002/em.22311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
The genetic material of every organism exists within the context of regulatory networks that govern gene expression, collectively called the epigenome. Epigenetics has taken center stage in the study of diseases such as cancer and diabetes, but its integration into the field of environmental health is still emerging. As the Environmental Mutagenesis and Genomics Society (EMGS) celebrates its 50th Anniversary this year, we have come together to review and summarize the seminal advances in the field of environmental epigenomics. Specifically, we focus on the role epigenetics may play in multigenerational and transgenerational transmission of environmentally induced health effects. We also summarize state of the art techniques for evaluating the epigenome, environmental epigenetic analysis, and the emerging field of epigenome editing. Finally, we evaluate transposon epigenetics as they relate to environmental exposures and explore the role of noncoding RNA as biomarkers of environmental exposures. Although the field has advanced over the past several decades, including being recognized by EMGS with its own Special Interest Group, recently renamed Epigenomics, we are excited about the opportunities for environmental epigenetic science in the next 50 years. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 61:176-192, 2020. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bambarendage P.U. Perera
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Christopher Faulk
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota
| | - Laurie K. Svoboda
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Jaclyn M. Goodrich
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Dana C. Dolinoy
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Correspondence to: Dana C. Dolinoy, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
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Zhou G, He T, Huang H, Feng F, Liu X, Li Z, Zhang Y, Ba Y. Prenatal ambient air pollution exposure and SOD2 promoter methylation in maternal and cord blood. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2019; 181:428-434. [PMID: 31220783 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2019.06.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Revised: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The evidence is increasing that prenatal air pollutant exposure contributes to elevated oxidative stress in children, but the underlying mechanism is unclear. A pilot study was conducted in China to explore the associations between prenatal ambient air pollution exposure and superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) promoter methylation in maternal and cord blood. After detection and analyses, SOD2 promoter methylation levels in umbilical cord blood were elevated as maternal SOD2 promoter methylation levels increased. In addition, the SOD2 promoter methylation levels in umbilical cord blood were positively associated with the particulate matter 10 (PM10) exposure concentrations during the entire pregnancy and the second trimester. In maternal peripheral blood, the SOD2 promoter methylation levels were positively associated with the exposure concentrations of PM10 (during the entire pregnancy and the second trimester) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) (during the first trimester of pregnancy), whereas the levels were negatively associated with the exposure concentrations of NO2 during the third trimester of pregnancy. Additionally, interaction analyses revealed that the maternal SOD2 promoter methylation level and sulfur dioxide (SO2) exposure (during the entire pregnancy and the third trimester), as well as NO2 exposure (during the third trimester of pregnancy), had an interaction effect on the SOD2 promoter methylation level in umbilical cord blood. Furthermore, mediation analysis revealed that the associations between SOD2 promoter methylation in umbilical cord blood and PM10 exposure during the entire pregnancy and the second trimester were partly mediated by maternal SOD2 promoter methylation. In conclusion, prenatal exposure to air pollutants was significantly associated with SOD2 promoter methylation levels in umbilical cord blood, and this association may be affected by SOD2 promoter methylation levels in maternal peripheral blood. These associations may be one of the mechanisms by which prenatal air pollutant exposure leads to oxidative stress in newborns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoyu Zhou
- Department of Environment Health, School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Tongkun He
- Department of Environment Health, School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Hui Huang
- Department of Environment Health, School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Feifei Feng
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Xiaoxue Liu
- Department of Environment Health, School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Zhiyuan Li
- Department of Environment Health, School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yawei Zhang
- Department of Environment Health Science, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Yue Ba
- Department of Environment Health, School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
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Kalayasiri R, Kraijak K, Mutirangura A, Maes M. Paranoid schizophrenia and methamphetamine-induced paranoia are both characterized by a similar LINE-1 partial methylation profile, which is more pronounced in paranoid schizophrenia. Schizophr Res 2019; 208:221-227. [PMID: 30826260 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2019.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2018] [Revised: 02/03/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is evidence that schizophrenia is a neuro-immune disorder. Genes linked to intragenic LINE-1 methylation show a strong association with immune-associated disorders including psychosis. The aim of this study was to examine LINE-1 methylation patterns in paranoid schizophrenia and methamphetamine-induced paranoia, a model for schizophrenia. METHODS This study recruited 31 patients with paranoid schizophrenia, 94 with methamphetamine-induced paranoia (MIP) and 163 normal controls. LINE-1 methylation patterns were assayed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and a combined bisulphite restriction analysis and COBRA were used to estimate LINE1 methylation (mC) and CpG dinucleotide methylation patterns, namely 2 methylated (mCmC) and 2 unmethylated (uCuC) CpGs and the partially methylated loci mCuC (5'm with 3'u) and uCmC (5'u with 3'm). RESULTS Patients with paranoid schizophrenia show highly significant changes in LINE-1 partial methylation patterns, namely a higher percentage of mCuC and lower percentage of uCmC as compared with controls and MIP patients, while the latter show a higher percentage of mCuC but lower percentage of uCmC as compared with controls. Higher mCuC significantly predicts paranoid schizophrenia with a sensitivity of 51.6%, specificity of 97.5% and an area under the ROC curve of 0.895. CONCLUSIONS The results indicate that a common dysfunction in LINE-1 partial methylation may underpin both paranoid schizophrenia and MIP and that this methylation pattern is significantly more expressed in paranoid schizophrenia than MIP. Reciprocal links between impairments in LINE-1 methylation and neuro-immune and neuro-oxidative pathways may underpin the pathophysiology of both MIP and paranoid schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasmon Kalayasiri
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand; Department of Psychiatry, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand; Center for Excellence in Molecular Genetics of Cancer and Human Diseases, Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
| | - Korakot Kraijak
- Master of Science Program in Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Apiwat Mutirangura
- Center for Excellence in Molecular Genetics of Cancer and Human Diseases, Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
| | - Michael Maes
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand; IMPACT Strategic Research Center, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia; Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
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Afrifa J, Opoku YK, Gyamerah EO, Ashiagbor G, Sorkpor RD. The Clinical Importance of the Mercury Problem in Artisanal Small-Scale Gold Mining. Front Public Health 2019; 7:131. [PMID: 31192183 PMCID: PMC6549531 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2019.00131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Artisanal small-scale mining is widely operated in various countries serving as a livelihood to many rural communities. However, it is a significant source of environmental mercury contamination which affects human health. Amalgamation and amalgam smelting, two significant steps in the artisanal small-scale mining operations generate lots of mercury vapors, leading to chronic exposure among miners. Thus, this article seeks to provide a topical review of recent findings on organ damage and metabolic disorders among mercury-exposed artisanal small-scale miners with emphasis on the contributing factors such as personal protective equipment usage and artisanal small-scale gold mining-specific occupational activities. Also, insights into the effect of mercury intoxication and mechanisms of action on organ and metabolic systems among exposed individuals are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justice Afrifa
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana.,Scientific Research Center, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yeboah Kwaku Opoku
- Department of Biomedical Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana.,Biopharmaceutical Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Eric Ofori Gyamerah
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - George Ashiagbor
- Department of Wildlife and Range Management, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
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High Efficiency Mercury Sorption by Dead Biomass of Lysinibacillus Sphaericus-New Insights into the Treatment of Contaminated Water. MATERIALS 2019; 12:ma12081296. [PMID: 31010243 PMCID: PMC6514844 DOI: 10.3390/ma12081296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Revised: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a toxic metal frequently used in illegal and artisanal extraction of gold and silver which makes it a cause of environmental poisoning. Since biosorption of other heavy metals has been reported for several Lysinibacillus sphaericus strains, this study investigates Hg removal. Three L. sphaericus strains previously reported as metal tolerant (CBAM5, Ot4b31, and III(3)7) were assessed with mercury chloride (HgCl2). Bacteria were characterized by scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS-SEM). Sorption was evaluated in live and dead bacterial biomass by free and immobilized cells assays. Hg quantification was achieved through spectrophotometry at 508 nm by reaction of Hg supernatants with dithizone prepared in Triton X-114 and by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy (GF-AAS). Bacteria grew up to 60 ppm of HgCl2. Non-immobilized dead cell mixture of strains III(3)7 and Ot4b31 showed a maximum sorption efficiency of 28.4 µg Hg/mg bacteria during the first 5 min of contact with HgCl2, removing over 95% of Hg. This process was escalated in a semi-batch bubbling fluidized bed reactor (BFB) using rice husk as the immobilization matrix leading to a similar level of efficiency. EDS-SEM analysis showed that all strains can adsorb Hg as particles of nanometric scale that can be related to the presence of S-layer metal binding proteins as shown in previous studies. These results suggest that L. sphaericus could be used as a novel biological method of mercury removal from polluted wastewater.
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Budnik LT, Casteleyn L. Mercury pollution in modern times and its socio-medical consequences. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 654:720-734. [PMID: 30448663 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.10.408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Revised: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Mercury plays a critical role in serious health problems due to environmental or occupational exposures. Aquatic ecosystems are an essential component of the global biogeochemical cycle of mercury, as inorganic mercury can be converted to toxic methyl mercury in these environments and reemissions of elemental mercury rival anthropogenic mercury releases on a global scale. The history of the Minamata disease, a typical example of industrial pollution, has shown how corporate secrecy and ignorance on part of the health authorities may influence the devastating spread of environmental contamination and the progress of disease. While the Minamata Convention, in place since 2017, is aiming to lower mercury exposure and to prevent adverse effects, there are still knowledge gaps in the areas of global environmental mercury exposure. Areas of uncertainty in the global biogeochemical cycle of mercury include oxidation processes in the atmosphere, land-atmosphere and ocean-atmosphere cycling, and methylation processes in the ocean. Pollution related to climate change (especially in boreal and arctic regions), bioaccumulation and biomagnification of methyl mercury in the food chain, especially in fish and marine mammals, needs to be addressed in more detail. Information is lacking on numerous hidden contaminant exposures i.e. from globally applied traditional medicine, mercury containing skin creams and soaps, dental amalgam, ethyl mercury containing vaccines and latex paint additives, as well as on mercury releases from power plants, e-waste/fluorescent lamps, wildfire emissions, and global artisanal small-scale gold mining activities. Mercury occurs in various forms with different levels of toxicity. While much is already known and documented on the health effects of mercury, present knowledge and translation into preventive actions is still incomplete. Risks for long term health effects trough prolonged low dose exposure and trough cumulative exposures of various mercury forms should be further addressed. Preventive actions should include adequate human biomonitoring programs. Research data should be translated swiftly into management tools for local policy makers and health professionals, also paying attention at the major differences in mercury contamination across the globe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lygia Therese Budnik
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Institute for Occupational and Maritime Medicine, Translational Toxicology and Immunology Unit, Hamburg, Germany.
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