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Carvalho VHV, Rodrigues JCG, Vinagre LWMS, Pereira EEB, Monte N, Fernandes MR, Ribeiro-Dos-Santos AM, Guerreiro JF, Ribeiro-Dos-Santos Â, Dos Santos SEB, Dos Santos NPC. Genomic investigation on genes related to mercury metabolism in Amazonian indigenous populations. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 923:171232. [PMID: 38402986 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171232] [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: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Studies have identified elevated levels of mercury in Amazonian Indigenous individuals, highlighting them as one of the most exposed to risks. In the unique context of the Brazilian Indigenous population, it is crucial to identify genetic variants with clinical significance to better understand vulnerability to mercury and its adverse effects. Currently, there is a lack of research on the broader genomic profile of Indigenous people, particularly those from the Amazon region, concerning mercury contamination. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the genomic profile related to the processes of mercury absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion in 64 Indigenous individuals from the Brazilian Amazon. We aimed to determine whether these individuals exhibit a higher susceptibility to mercury exposure. Our study identified three high-impact variants (GSTA1 rs1051775, GSTM1 rs1183423000, and rs1241704212), with the latter two showing a higher frequency in the study population compared to global populations. Additionally, we discovered seven new variants with modifier impact and a genomic profile different from the worldwide populations. These genetic variants may predispose the study population to more harmful mercury exposure compared to global populations. As the first study to analyze broader genomics of mercury metabolism pathways in Brazilian Amazonian Amerindians, we emphasize that our research aims to contribute to public policies by utilizing genomic investigation as a method to identify populations with a heightened susceptibility to mercury exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Hugo Valente Carvalho
- Núecleo de Pesquisas em Oncologia, Unidade de Alta Complexidade em Oncologia, Hospital Universitário João de Barros Barreto, 66073-005 Belém, Pará, Brazil.
| | - Juliana Carla Gomes Rodrigues
- Núecleo de Pesquisas em Oncologia, Unidade de Alta Complexidade em Oncologia, Hospital Universitário João de Barros Barreto, 66073-005 Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Lui Wallacy Morikawa Souza Vinagre
- Núecleo de Pesquisas em Oncologia, Unidade de Alta Complexidade em Oncologia, Hospital Universitário João de Barros Barreto, 66073-005 Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Esdras Edgar Batista Pereira
- Núecleo de Pesquisas em Oncologia, Unidade de Alta Complexidade em Oncologia, Hospital Universitário João de Barros Barreto, 66073-005 Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Natasha Monte
- Núecleo de Pesquisas em Oncologia, Unidade de Alta Complexidade em Oncologia, Hospital Universitário João de Barros Barreto, 66073-005 Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Marianne Rodrigues Fernandes
- Núecleo de Pesquisas em Oncologia, Unidade de Alta Complexidade em Oncologia, Hospital Universitário João de Barros Barreto, 66073-005 Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - André Maurício Ribeiro-Dos-Santos
- Laboratório de Genética Humana e Médica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, 66075-110, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - João Farias Guerreiro
- Laboratório de Genética Humana e Médica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, 66075-110, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Ândrea Ribeiro-Dos-Santos
- Laboratório de Genética Humana e Médica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, 66075-110, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Sidney Emanuel Batista Dos Santos
- Núecleo de Pesquisas em Oncologia, Unidade de Alta Complexidade em Oncologia, Hospital Universitário João de Barros Barreto, 66073-005 Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Ney Pereira Carneiro Dos Santos
- Núecleo de Pesquisas em Oncologia, Unidade de Alta Complexidade em Oncologia, Hospital Universitário João de Barros Barreto, 66073-005 Belém, Pará, Brazil
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Hu Z, Wu X, Du Y, Zou W, Dong H, Song M, Hang T, Lu Y. Health risk assessment for human mercury exposure from Cinnabaris-containing Baizi Yangxin Pills in healthy volunteers Po administration. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2024; 83:127398. [PMID: 38245934 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2024.127398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cinnabaris (α-HgS), a mineral traditional Chinese material medica, has been used in combination with other herbs manifesting some definite therapeutic effects for thousands of years. But the currently reported mercury poisoning incidents raised the doubts about the safety of Cinnabaris-containing traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs). Baizi Yangxin Pills (BZYXP) is a Cinnabaris-containing TCM widely used in clinical practice. This study evaluated the health risk of mercury exposure from BZYXP in healthy volunteers based on the total mercury and mercury species analysis of blood and urine after single and multiple doses of BZYXP. METHODS Blood pharmacokinetics and urinary excretion studies of mercury were compared between single (9 g, once daily) and multiple doses (9 g, twice daily, continued for 7 days) of BZYXP. The whole blood and urine samples were collected at the specific points or periods after the administration of BZYXP. The total mercury and mercury species in blood and urine samples were determined by cold vapor-atomic fluorescence spectrometry (CV-AFS) and HPLC-CV-AFS, respectively. RESULTS The mercury was excreted slowly and accumulated obviously after continuous exposure of BZYXP. Moreover, the well-known neurotoxin methylmercury (MeHg) was detected in blood samples after 7 days' administration of BZYXP. In the urine samples, only Hg(II) was detected. Therefore, long-term use of BZYXP will cause mercury poisoning due to mercury's high accumulative properties and MeHg formation. CONCLUSION Cinnabaris-containing TCMs such as BZYXP should be restricted to cases in which alternatives are available, and the blood mercury species profile should be monitored during the long-term clinical medication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoliang Hu
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance (China Pharmaceutical University), Ministry of Education, Nanjing, China; Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiao Wu
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance (China Pharmaceutical University), Ministry of Education, Nanjing, China; Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China; School of Medicine and Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yi Du
- Department of Pharmacy, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, China
| | - Wenyu Zou
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance (China Pharmaceutical University), Ministry of Education, Nanjing, China; Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Haijuan Dong
- The Public Laboratory Platform, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Min Song
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance (China Pharmaceutical University), Ministry of Education, Nanjing, China; Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Taijun Hang
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance (China Pharmaceutical University), Ministry of Education, Nanjing, China; Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Yuting Lu
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance (China Pharmaceutical University), Ministry of Education, Nanjing, China; Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.
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de Castro Moita MD, da Silva Júnior FMR, da Silva Pereira T, Marinho RB, Vitorio EO, Pellegrino ÉFC, da Conceição Nascimento Pinheiro M, Santos OS. Mercury exposure in riverine populations of Terra do Meio Extractive Reserves in the Xingu basin, Amazon, Brazil. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2024; 46:88. [PMID: 38367142 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-024-01853-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
Amazon is a hotspot for mercury (Hg) contamination and Terra do Meio region, despite its protected status for sustainable use, has never been monitored for this element. Looking to address this gap, this study aimed to quantify capillary Hg concentration in riverine populations of Terra do Meio (Xingu Basin, Central Amazon, Brazil) and associated factors with high Hg levels (90 percentile). Hair samples from 182 individuals from Iriri, Riozinho do Anfrísio and Xingu Extractive Reserves (RESEX), aged between 18 and 70 years old, were collected to measure total mercury levels (HgT), and socioeconomic, demographic, and clinical-epidemiological data were annotated. Overall, high levels of Hg were observed (mean 4.985 µg/g, median 3.531 µg/g) with significant differences between localities. Among the factors related to high capillary Hg levels, male gender, smoking habit, work in agriculture, livestock or extractivism, and residence in Iriri and Riozinho do Anfrísio RESEX were highlighted. A high prevalence of symptoms related to Hg intoxication, including anxiety, memory deficit, and lower limb problems, was observed. Overall, the results reveal that communities in these RESEXs are exposed to Hg and appear to be suffering from chronic health effects. Considering the increased anthropogenic alterations observed recently in the Amazon region and the subsequent amplified environmental bioavailability of Hg, further studies and mitigating actions are critical. This includes better surveillance of illegal anthropic activities and provision of ongoing education on this matter and incentives for dietary adaptations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tatiana da Silva Pereira
- Universidade Federal do Pará - Campus Altamira, Rua Coronel José Porfírio, 2515, Altamira, PA, CEP: 68372-040, Brazil
| | - Renatta Barbosa Marinho
- Universidade Federal do Pará - Campus Altamira, Rua Coronel José Porfírio, 2515, Altamira, PA, CEP: 68372-040, Brazil
| | - Emanuely Oliveira Vitorio
- Universidade Federal do Pará - Campus Altamira, Rua Coronel José Porfírio, 2515, Altamira, PA, CEP: 68372-040, Brazil
| | | | | | - Ozélia Sousa Santos
- Universidade Federal do Pará - Campus Altamira, Rua Coronel José Porfírio, 2515, Altamira, PA, CEP: 68372-040, Brazil.
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Toro-Valdivieso C, Jugdaohsingh R, Powell JJ, Hoffman JI, Forcada J, Moore C, Blacklaws B. Heavy metal contamination in pristine environments: lessons from the Juan Fernandez fur seal ( Arctocephalus philippii philippii). ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2023; 10:221237. [PMID: 36998770 PMCID: PMC10049756 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.221237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Heavy metals, including mercury (Hg) and cadmium (Cd), occur naturally or anthropogenically and are considered toxic to the environment and human health. However, studies on heavy metal contamination focus on locations close to industrialized settlements, while isolated environments with little human activity are often ignored due to perceived low risk. This study reports heavy metal exposure in Juan Fernandez fur seals (JFFS), a marine mammal endemic to an isolated and relatively pristine archipelago off the coast of Chile. We found exceptionally high concentrations of Cd and Hg in JFFS faeces. Indeed, they are among the highest reported for any mammalian species. Following analysis of their prey, we concluded that diet is the most likely source of Cd contamination in JFFS. Furthermore, Cd appears to be absorbed and incorporated into JFFS bones. However, it was not associated with mineral changes observed in other species, suggesting Cd tolerance/adaptations in JFFS bones. The high levels of silicon found in JFFS bones may counteract the effects of Cd. These findings are relevant to biomedical research, food security and the treatment of heavy metal contamination. It also contributes to understanding the ecological role of JFFS and highlights the need for surveillance of apparently pristine environments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ravin Jugdaohsingh
- Biominerals Research Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Madingley Rd, Cambridge CB3 0ES, UK
| | - Jonathan J. Powell
- Biominerals Research Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Madingley Rd, Cambridge CB3 0ES, UK
| | - Joseph I. Hoffman
- British Antarctic Survey, High Cross, Madingley Rd, Cambridge CB3 0ET, UK
- Department of Animal Behaviour, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld 33501, Germany
| | - Jaume Forcada
- British Antarctic Survey, High Cross, Madingley Rd, Cambridge CB3 0ET, UK
| | - Charles Moore
- Algalita Marine Research Foundation, 148N Marina Dr, Long Beach, CA 90803, USA
| | - Barbara Blacklaws
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Madingley Rd, Cambridge CB3 0ES, UK
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Mussy MH, de Almeida R, de Carvalho DP, Lauthartte LC, de Holanda IBB, Almeida MGD, de Sousa-Filho IF, de Rezende CE, Malm O, Bastos WR. Evaluating total mercury and methylmercury biomagnification using stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen in fish from the Madeira River basin, Brazilian Amazon. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:33543-33554. [PMID: 36480140 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-24235-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The isotopic signatures of carbon in primary consumer fish species in the Madeira River basin (Western Amazon) follow a pattern, with basal species feeding mainly on C3 (e.g., vascular plants and phytoplankton). In this study with 196 specimens of 19 fish species and six trophic guilds, significant differences were found between the two main groups of primary consumers (herbivores and detritivores) in the Madeira River basin. The mercury and δ15N data indicated that the fish specimens collected in Puruzinho and Cuniã Lakes provided greater trophic magnification factors (TMFs) for this metal than those found in the corresponding rivers. In relation to total mercury (0.09-2.07 μg g-1) and methylmercury (0.05-1.91 μg g-1) concentrations, the piscivorous/carnivorous species exceeded the values recommended by the World Health Organization, with a [MeHg:THg] ratio of about 80%. Preventive and educational practices should be adopted to reduce the possible toxic effects of Hg in the riverside population, for whom fish constitutes the main protein source. Also, biomonitoring of the fish species in the Madeira River should be conducted on an ongoing basis to detect possible alterations in mercury concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marília Higino Mussy
- Laboratório de Biogeoquímica Ambiental WCP, Fundação Universidade Federal de Rondônia, Porto Velho, Brazil
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ronaldo de Almeida
- Laboratório de Biogeoquímica Ambiental WCP, Fundação Universidade Federal de Rondônia, Porto Velho, Brazil
- Departamento de Ciências Sociais e Ambientais, Fundação Universidade Federal de Rondônia, Guajará-Mirim, Rondônia, Brazil
| | - Dario Pires de Carvalho
- Laboratório de Biogeoquímica Ambiental WCP, Fundação Universidade Federal de Rondônia, Porto Velho, Brazil
- Santo Antônio Energia, Porto Velho, Rondônia, Brazil
| | - Leidiane Caroline Lauthartte
- Laboratório de Biogeoquímica Ambiental WCP, Fundação Universidade Federal de Rondônia, Porto Velho, Brazil
- Colégio Universitário, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil
| | | | - Marcelo Gomes de Almeida
- Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Izidro Ferreira de Sousa-Filho
- Laboratório de Biogeoquímica Ambiental WCP, Fundação Universidade Federal de Rondônia, Porto Velho, Brazil
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Carlos Eduardo de Rezende
- Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Olaf Malm
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Wanderley Rodrigues Bastos
- Laboratório de Biogeoquímica Ambiental WCP, Fundação Universidade Federal de Rondônia, Porto Velho, Brazil.
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Nascimento LSD, Silva LDO, Azevedo SMD, Almeida RD, Almeida MG, Azevedo LS, Bastos WR, Souza CMMD, Pestana IA. Spatial-temporal dynamics of Cr in fish from Puruzinho Lake (Western Amazon) and dietary risk assessment. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 300:134576. [PMID: 35421446 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.134576] [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: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Cr contamination is a growing concern in the Amazon. Along with the rise of cattle farming in the region, tanneries are becoming more common and threatening environmental quality, since the effluents from this activity are rich in Cr. The objective of this study was to evaluate the seasonal and spatial dynamics of Cr in fish with different feeding habits from Puruzinho Lake, located in the Madeira River basin, also determining the daily intake of Cr associated with the consumption of these fish by the population that lives around the lake. Seasonality and feeding habits directly affected Cr dynamics in fish (p < 0.0001), with medians of Cr concentration ranging between 0.07 mg kg-1 in the species Cichla pleiozona, a carnivorous fish, and 0.62 mg kg-1 in Mylossoma duriventre, a herbivorous fish. The high Cr concentrations in M. duriventre were related to the biodilution effect of Cr in the trophic chain (R2 = 0.14, p < 0.0001). The consumption of M. duriventre by the population was associated with the highest daily intake of Cr (55.5 μg∙day-1), exceeding the recommended limits of Cr intake (35 μg∙day-1). However, no harmful effects on health are expected due to the ingestion of Cr through the consumption of fish from Puruzinho Lake. Spatial analysis showed an increasing trend in Cr concentrations along the Madeira River, suggesting that contaminants present in the river are being carried over long distances and are reaching preserved areas of the Amazon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiza Silva do Nascimento
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia e Recursos Naturais, Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Av. Alberto Lamego, 2000 - Parque Califórnia, CEP: 28013-602, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Layra de Oliveira Silva
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia e Recursos Naturais, Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Av. Alberto Lamego, 2000 - Parque Califórnia, CEP: 28013-602, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Sophia Menezes de Azevedo
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia e Recursos Naturais, Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Av. Alberto Lamego, 2000 - Parque Califórnia, CEP: 28013-602, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ronaldo de Almeida
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Desenvolvimento Regional e Meio Ambiente, Laboratório de Biogeoquímica Ambiental Wolfgang C. Pfeiffer, Fundação Universidade Federal de Rondônia, Av. Pres. Dutra, 2967 - Olaria, CEP: 76801-059, Porto Velho, Rondônia, Brazil; Departamento de Ciências Sociais e Ambientais, Fundação Universidade Federal de Rondônia, Rodovia BR 425 - Km 2, 5 - Jardim das Esmeraldas, CEP: 76.850-000, Guajará-Mirim, Rondônia, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Gomes Almeida
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia e Recursos Naturais, Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Av. Alberto Lamego, 2000 - Parque Califórnia, CEP: 28013-602, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Lucas Silva Azevedo
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia e Recursos Naturais, Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Av. Alberto Lamego, 2000 - Parque Califórnia, CEP: 28013-602, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Wanderley Rodrigues Bastos
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Desenvolvimento Regional e Meio Ambiente, Laboratório de Biogeoquímica Ambiental Wolfgang C. Pfeiffer, Fundação Universidade Federal de Rondônia, Av. Pres. Dutra, 2967 - Olaria, CEP: 76801-059, Porto Velho, Rondônia, Brazil
| | - Cristina Maria Magalhães de Souza
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia e Recursos Naturais, Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Av. Alberto Lamego, 2000 - Parque Califórnia, CEP: 28013-602, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Inácio Abreu Pestana
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia e Recursos Naturais, Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Av. Alberto Lamego, 2000 - Parque Califórnia, CEP: 28013-602, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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de Sousa Parreira J, Cabral CDS, Crispim PDTB, Ott AMT, Dórea JG, Bastos WR. Mercury in the brain (tumor tissues) and in markers (hair and blood) of exposure in Western Amazonia patients. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2022; 72:126994. [PMID: 35617853 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2022.126994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Central nervous system tumors (CNSTs) represent the second most frequent form of malignant tumors in childhood and the second leading cause of death associated with neurological diseases, affecting individuals of all age groups. In adults, CNSTs are the sixth most common cause of death in patients with malignant tumors. Additionally, the brain is the most sensitive and studied organ for mercury (Hg) toxicity. METHOD We studied total Hg (THg) in tissue samples (of benign and malignant CNSTs) and explored its associations with THg in exposure markers (hair and blood) from 65 patients (40 females and 25 males) who underwent surgical treatment. RESULTS No statistically significant differences were found in THg concentrations in brain tumors or in blood and hair from these patients (classified as malignant/benign or glioma/non-glioma); also, there were no statistically significant differences between males and females. However, statistically significant correlations were found between THg in CNSTs and in hair (rs = 0.4967; p = 0.0001) and in blood (rs = 0.4702; p = 0.0058); but no significant correlations were found between THg in hair and blood (rs = 0.1229; p = 0.5332). In the Western Amazon, with endemic exposure to fish-methylmercury, these urban patients were low to moderate fish consumers; THg concentrations in blood (median: 0.645 µg.L-1; range: 8.01-21.02 µg.L-1; n = 56) and hair (median: 0.686 µg.g-1; range: 0.01-10.02 µg.g-1; n = 65) were relatively low, whereas THg levels in brain tumors (median: 8.194 ng.g-1; range: <0.10-69.16 ng.g-1; n = 65) were within range of published studies in brain autopsies. Additionally, no statistically significant correlations (p = 0.4828) were observed between frequency of fish consumption and THg in the brain. CONCLUSION Although no significant THg concentrations in the type of brain tumors (benign versus malignant) were found, the significantly positive correlation between markers of THg exposure (hair and blood) and THg in the brain tissues indicates its usefulness as a marker/proxy for brain-THg load. These findings confirm the value of using hair and blood as constructs of THg in the brain of exposed populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johnathan de Sousa Parreira
- Department of Medicine, Federal University of Rondônia, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Regional Development and Environment, Federal University of Rondônia, Brazil
| | - Cássio da S Cabral
- Environmental Biogeochemistry Laboratory WCP, Federal University of Rondônia, Brazil
| | | | - Ari Miguel T Ott
- Postgraduate Program in Regional Development and Environment, Federal University of Rondônia, Brazil; Department of Social Sciences, Federal University of Rondônia, Brazil
| | - José G Dórea
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Brasília,Brazil
| | - Wanderley R Bastos
- Postgraduate Program in Regional Development and Environment, Federal University of Rondônia, Brazil; Environmental Biogeochemistry Laboratory WCP, Federal University of Rondônia, Brazil.
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