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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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Li Q, Feng Y, Wang R, Liu R, Ba Y, Huang H. Recent insights into autophagy and metals/nanoparticles exposure. Toxicol Res 2023; 39:355-372. [PMID: 37398566 PMCID: PMC10313637 DOI: 10.1007/s43188-023-00184-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Some anthropogenic pollutants, such as heavy metals and nanoparticles (NPs), are widely distributed and a major threat to environmental safety and public health. In particular, lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), arsenic (As), and mercury (Hg) have systemic toxicity even at extremely low concentrations, so they are listed as priority metals in relation to their significant public health burden. Aluminum (Al) is also toxic to multiple organs and is linked to Alzheimer's disease. As the utilization of many metal nanoparticles (MNPs) gradually gain traction in industrial and medical applications, they are increasingly being investigated to address potential toxicity by impairing certain biological barriers. The dominant toxic mechanism of these metals and MNPs is the induction of oxidative stress, which subsequently triggers lipid peroxidation, protein modification, and DNA damage. Notably, a growing body of research has revealed the linkage between dysregulated autophagy and some diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases and cancers. Among them, some metals or metal mixtures can act as environmental stimuli and disturb basal autophagic activity, which has an underlying adverse health effect. Some studies also revealed that specific autophagy inhibitors or activators could modify the abnormal autophagic flux attributed to continuous exposure to metals. In this review, we have gathered recent data about the contribution of the autophagy/mitophagy mediated toxic effects and focused on the involvement of some key regulatory factors of autophagic signaling during exposure to selected metals, metal mixtures, as well as MNPs in the real world. Besides this, we summarized the potential significance of interactions between autophagy and excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated oxidative damage in the regulation of cell survival response to metals/NPs. A critical view is given on the application of autophagy activators/inhibitors to modulate the systematic toxicity of various metals/MNPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiong Li
- Department of Environmental Health and Environment and Health Innovation Team, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001 Henan People’s Republic of China
| | - Yajing Feng
- Department of Environmental Health and Environment and Health Innovation Team, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001 Henan People’s Republic of China
| | - Ruike Wang
- Department of Environmental Health and Environment and Health Innovation Team, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001 Henan People’s Republic of China
| | - Rundong Liu
- Department of Environmental Health and Environment and Health Innovation Team, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001 Henan People’s Republic of China
| | - Yue Ba
- Department of Environmental Health and Environment and Health Innovation Team, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001 Henan People’s Republic of China
| | - Hui Huang
- Department of Environmental Health and Environment and Health Innovation Team, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001 Henan People’s Republic of China
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Liu B, Li L, Xie Q, Li Y, Wang Q. Neurobehavioral effects of cinnabar and the cinnabar-containing pediatric prescription, Yi-Nian-Jin, in juvenile rats. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2023; 76:127112. [PMID: 36481603 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2022.127112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [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: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cinnabar, a mercury-containing mineral medicine, has long been widely used in pediatric prescriptions. The safety of cinnabar-containing prescriptions, particularly for children, is drawing increasing attention worldwide. However, whether cinnabar and these pediatric prescriptions have adverse effects on neurobehavior is unknown. Yi-Nian-Jin (YNJ), a classic pediatric prescription, contains 5.66% (w/w) cinnabar, along with other four herbs. YNJ is widely prescribed to promote digestion, eliminate phlegm, and prevent constipation in children (aged 0-6 years). In this study, we used YNJ as an example of cinnabar-containing pediatric prescriptions to determine mercury absorption, distribution, and accumulation and further investigate its potential neurotoxicity in juvenile rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS Low (67.9 mg/kg), middle (169.8 mg/kg), and high dose (339.6 mg/kg) of cinnabar, and low (1.2 g/kg), middle (3.0 g/kg), and high dose (6.0 g/kg) of YNJ were used in this study, corresponding to 3, 7.5, and 15 times the clinically equivalent dose, respectively. Juvenile rats were orally administered different doses of cinnabar or YNJ for 14 consecutive days. The mercury content in rat blood and tissues (brain, liver, and kidney) and serum biochemical changes on day 14 of consecutive administration and on day 14 after cessation were measured. Moreover, a series of behavioral assays (open field, elevated plus-maze, and Morris water maze assays) were performed after 14 consecutive days of administration. RESULTS The mercury absorption, distribution, and accumulation of cinnabar and YNJ in juvenile rats were substantially different. Mercury in cinnabar was absorbed to a greater extent than that in YNJ, and the mercury content in cinnabar high-dose group (cinnabar-H) was approximately seven times higher than that in YNJ high-dose group (YNJ-H) on day 14 of administration. In contrast, compared with that of cinnabar, the mercury content in YNJ accumulated more in the tissues, especially in the brain and kidney. Repeated administration of cinnabar or YNJ did not affect liver function, renal function, learning, and memory in juvenile rats. However, repeated administration of YNJ at a high dose (6.0 g/kg) affected locomotor activity in juvenile rats. Repeated administration of cinnabar (339.6 mg/kg) or YNJ (>1.2 g/kg) induced anxiety-related behavior in juvenile rats. CONCLUSIONS Mercury in YNJ exhibited lower absorption but higher accumulation in tissues than those of the mercury in cinnabar. Consecutive oral administration of cinnabar or YNJ had no impact on liver function, renal function, learning, and memory, but could cause motor dysfunction and anxiety in juvenile rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bohan Liu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, PR China
| | - Ludi Li
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, PR China
| | - Qing Xie
- Department of Laboratorial Science and Technology, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, PR China
| | - Yingzi Li
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, PR China
| | - Qi Wang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, PR China; Key Laboratory of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Compatibility Toxicology, Beijing 100191, PR China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Toxicological Research and Risk Assessment for Food Safety, Beijing 100191, PR China.
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Gut as the target tissue of mercury and the extraintestinal effects. Toxicology 2023; 484:153396. [PMID: 36521575 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2022.153396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is harmful to the environment and human health. The gut plays important roles as the biological, chemical, mechanical, and immune barriers in animals and human beings. It has been known that Hg can be absorbed and methylated/demethylated in the gut, on the other hand, the impacts of Hg to the gut (especially the gut microbiota) is less studied. This review paper summarizes the impacts of inorganic Hg (IHg) and methyl Hg (MeHg) on gut barriers and the extraintestinal effects (damage to other organs such as the liver and brain). Both IHg and MeHg were found to cause intestinal microbial disorders, abnormal metabolites production, tight junction damage, and immune responses in the gut. The damage to the gut also contributed to the extraintestinal effects like the hepatotoxicity by IHg and the neurotoxicity by MeHg. In all, it is proposed that the gut should be considered as an important target tissue of Hg exposure, and the regulation of gut microbiota may have the potential for the prevention and control of the toxicity of Hg.
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Waghmare CS, Bidve SR, Gudi RV, Nalawade ML, Chawda MB. Assessment of Chronic Toxicity of an Ayurvedic Herbo-Metallic Formulation Rasaraj Rasa in Wistar Rats. J Pharmacopuncture 2022; 25:354-363. [PMID: 36628344 PMCID: PMC9806152 DOI: 10.3831/kpi.2022.25.4.354] [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: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives This study aimed to assess the adverse effects of Rasaraj Rasa tablets after repeated oral administration for 180 days in Wistar rats. Methods Wistar rats were divided into five groups, of which three were treated with 54, 162, and 270 mg/kg body weight of Rasaraj Rasa, respectively, which correspond to one, three, and five times the proposed human therapeutic dose, for 180 days consecutively. The fifth group (satellite) also received 270 mg/kg body weight of Rasaraj Rasa for 180 days. Body weight and food intake were measured weekly. At the end of the study, all rats were sacrificed, and their blood, serum, and organs were collected and examined using hematology, serum biochemistry, gross pathology, and histopathology tests. In contrast, the satellite group was kept for 4 weeks after treatment. Results No significant treatment-related toxicological findings were observed in the clinical features, body weight, laboratory findings, and pathological findings of the high-dose treated groups, when compared to those of the control group. Conclusion The no-observed-adverse-effect-level for Rasaraj Rasa in Wistar rats is set at 270 mg/kg body weight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaitali S. Waghmare
- Shree Dhootapapeshwar Ayurvedic Research Foundation, Veer Savarkar Chowk, Panvel, Maharashtra, India,Corresponding Author Chaitali S. Waghmare, Shree Dhootapapeshwar Ayurvedic Research Foundation, Veer Savarkar Chowk, near Ballaleshwar temple, Panvel, Maharashtra 410206, India, Tel: +91-226-234-6474, E-mail:,
| | - Shivcharan R. Bidve
- Shree Dhootapapeshwar Ayurvedic Research Foundation, Veer Savarkar Chowk, Panvel, Maharashtra, India
| | - Ramacharya V. Gudi
- Shree Dhootapapeshwar Limited, Veer Savarkar Chowk, Panvel, Maharashtra, India
| | - Megha L. Nalawade
- Shree Dhootapapeshwar Limited, Veer Savarkar Chowk, Panvel, Maharashtra, India
| | - Mukesh B. Chawda
- Solumiks Herbaceutical Limited, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
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Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Rational Application of Cinnabar, Realgar, and Their Formulations. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:6369150. [PMID: 36204126 PMCID: PMC9532072 DOI: 10.1155/2022/6369150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Ethnopharmacological Relevance. Mineral medicines are widely used traditional Chinese medicines with curative effects. These medicines are used for many refractory diseases. Aim of the Review. In this review, cinnabar (HgS) and realgar (As₂S₂) serve as examples of mineral medicines, and their pharmacology, therapeutic toxicity, use in traditional medicine mixtures, and research perspectives are discussed. Materials and Methods. A search was performed for the literature on cinnabar and realgar in PubMed, the Chinese Pharmacopeia, Google, and other sources. The search included studies using single herbs, traditional formulations, or novel dosage forms. Results. Cinnabar and cinnabar formulas exhibit good efficacy for sedation, sleep improvement, anxiety alleviation, and brain protection. However, previous studies on neurotransmitters have reached different conclusions, and detailed pharmacological mechanisms are lacking. Realgar and its formulas exert promising antitumor activity through regulation of cell cycle arrest, intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis, induction of differentiation, autophagy, metabolic reprogramming, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) signaling, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. In addition, realgar can be used to treat a variety of refractory diseases by regulating immunity and exerting antibacterial, antiviral, and other effects. However, the existing pharmacological research on the use of realgar for epidemic prevention is insufficient, and animal experiments and research at the cellular level are lacking. Inappropriate applications of cinnabar and realgar can cause toxicity, including neurotoxicity, liver toxicity, kidney toxicity, and genotoxicity. The toxicological mechanism is complex, and molecular-level research is limited. For clinical applications, theory and clinical experience must be combined to guide scientific and rational drug use and to achieve reduced toxicity and increased efficacy through the use of modern preparation methods or combined drugs. Notably, when cinnabar and realgar are used to treat targeted diseases, these agents have a bidirectional effect of “treatment” and “toxicity” on the central nervous system in pathological and normal states. The pharmacological and toxicological mechanisms need to be elucidated in greater detail in the future. Overall, systematic research is needed to provide a basis for better promotion of the rational use of cinnabar and realgar in the clinic. Conclusion. Mineral medicines are multicomponent, multiactivity, and multitargeted substances. The pharmacology and mechanisms of the toxicity and action of realgar and cinnabar are extremely complex. A number of Chinese medicinal preparations of realgar and cinnabar have demonstrated unique efficacy in the treatment of refractory diseases.
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Re DB, Yan B, Calderón-Garcidueñas L, Andrew AS, Tischbein M, Stommel EW. A perspective on persistent toxicants in veterans and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: identifying exposures determining higher ALS risk. J Neurol 2022; 269:2359-2377. [PMID: 34973105 PMCID: PMC9021134 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-021-10928-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Multiple studies indicate that United States veterans have an increased risk of developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) compared to civilians. However, the responsible etiological factors are unknown. In the general population, specific occupational (e.g. truck drivers, airline pilots) and environmental exposures (e.g. metals, pesticides) are associated with an increased ALS risk. As such, the increased prevalence of ALS in veterans strongly suggests that there are exposures experienced by military personnel that are disproportionate to civilians. During service, veterans may encounter numerous neurotoxic exposures (e.g. burn pits, engine exhaust, firing ranges). So far, however, there is a paucity of studies investigating environmental factors contributing to ALS in veterans and even fewer assessing their exposure using biomarkers. Herein, we discuss ALS pathogenesis in relation to a series of persistent neurotoxicants (often emitted as mixtures) including: chemical elements, nanoparticles and lipophilic toxicants such as dioxins, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and polychlorinated biphenyls. We propose these toxicants should be directly measured in veteran central nervous system tissue, where they may have accumulated for decades. Specific toxicants (or mixtures thereof) may accelerate ALS development following a multistep hypothesis or act synergistically with other service-linked exposures (e.g. head trauma/concussions). Such possibilities could explain the lower age of onset observed in veterans compared to civilians. Identifying high-risk exposures within vulnerable populations is key to understanding ALS etiopathogenesis and is urgently needed to act upon modifiable risk factors for military personnel who deserve enhanced protection during their years of service, not only for their short-term, but also long-term health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diane B Re
- Department of Environmental Health Science, Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Beizhan Yan
- Department of Geochemistry, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University, Palisades, NY, USA
| | - Lilian Calderón-Garcidueñas
- Department Biomedical Sciences, College of Health, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, USA
- Universidad del Valle de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Angeline S Andrew
- Department of Neurology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Maeve Tischbein
- Department of Neurology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Elijah W Stommel
- Department of Neurology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, USA.
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Xia Z, Bi H, Li C, Geng L, Usman M, Du Y, Wei L. Neurotoxicity of β-HgS differs from environmental mercury pollutants (MeHgCl and HgCl 2) in Neuro-2a cell. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2021; 31:861-871. [PMID: 31793343 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2019.1692792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
β-HgS, differing from environmental mercury pollutants (MeHgCl and HgCl2) in chemical form, is used as traditional medicine in Asian countries for thousands of years. In this study, Neuro-2a cells were exposed to β-HgS, MeHgCl and HgCl2 (5 µM) for 6-24 h. The cell viability of β-HgS was higher than MeHgCl with 25.9% and 72.4% in 12 h and 24 h respectively. As the incubation time increased, MeHgCl had obvious damage to cell morphology, decreased the ratio of Bcl-2 and Bak and increased the expressions of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β significantly. Furthermore, the expressions of IL-1β and IL-6 in HgCl2 group were increased significantly in 6 h and 24 h. The apoptotic rates in MeHgCl and HgCl2 group were respectively higher than β-HgS with 32.2% and 7.30% in 24 h. Our findings indicate that β-HgS is much less neurotoxicity than MeHgCl and HgCl2 in Neuro-2a cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenghua Xia
- Key Laboratory of Tibetan Medicine Research, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, Qinghai, China
- College of life sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Tibetan Medicine Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, Qinghai, China
| | - Hongtao Bi
- Key Laboratory of Tibetan Medicine Research, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, Qinghai, China
- Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Tibetan Medicine Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, Qinghai, China
| | - Cen Li
- Key Laboratory of Tibetan Medicine Research, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, Qinghai, China
- Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Tibetan Medicine Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, Qinghai, China
| | - Lujing Geng
- Key Laboratory of Tibetan Medicine Research, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, Qinghai, China
- College of life sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Tibetan Medicine Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, Qinghai, China
| | - Muhammad Usman
- Department of Biotechnology, Virtual University of Pakistan, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Yuzhi Du
- Key Laboratory of Tibetan Medicine Research, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, Qinghai, China
- Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Tibetan Medicine Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, Qinghai, China
| | - Lixin Wei
- Key Laboratory of Tibetan Medicine Research, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, Qinghai, China
- Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Tibetan Medicine Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, Qinghai, China
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Lemaire J, Bustamante P, Mangione R, Marquis O, Churlaud C, Brault-Favrou M, Parenteau C, Brischoux F. Lead, mercury, and selenium alter physiological functions in wild caimans (Caiman crocodilus). ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 286:117549. [PMID: 34438486 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Environmental contaminants affect ecosystems worldwide and have deleterious effects on biota. Non-essential mercury (Hg) and lead (Pb) concentrations are well documented in some taxa and are described to cause multiple detrimental effects on human and wildlife. Additionally, essential selenium (Se) is known to be toxic at high concentrations but, at lower concentrations, Se can protect organisms against Hg toxicity. Crocodilians are known to bioaccumulate contaminants. However, the effects of these contaminants on physiological processes remain poorly studied. In the present study, we quantified Hg, Pb and Se concentrations in spectacled caimans (Caiman crocodilus) and investigated the effects of these contaminants on several physiological processes linked to osmoregulatory, hepatic, endocrine and renal functions measured through blood parameters in 23 individuals. Mercury was related to disruption of osmoregulation (sodium levels), hepatic function (alkaline phosphatase levels) and endocrine processes (corticosterone levels). Lead was related to disruption of hepatic functions (glucose and alanine aminotransferase levels). Selenium was not related to any parameters, but the Se:Hg molar ratio was positively related to the Na+ and corticosterone concentrations, suggesting a potential protective effect against Hg toxicity. Overall, our results suggest that Hg and Pb alter physiological mechanisms in wild caimans and highlight the need to thoroughly investigate the consequences of trace element contamination in crocodilians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérémy Lemaire
- Centre d'Études Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 79360 Villiers en Bois, France; Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000 La Rochelle, France.
| | - Paco Bustamante
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000 La Rochelle, France; Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), 1 rue Descartes, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Rosanna Mangione
- Division of Behavioural Ecology, Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern, Wohlenstrasse 50a, CH-3032, Hinterkappelen, Switzerland
| | - Olivier Marquis
- Sorbonne Université, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Parc Zoologique de Paris, 53 Avenue de Saint Maurice, 75012 Paris, France
| | - Carine Churlaud
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000 La Rochelle, France
| | - Maud Brault-Favrou
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000 La Rochelle, France
| | - Charline Parenteau
- Centre d'Études Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 79360 Villiers en Bois, France
| | - François Brischoux
- Centre d'Études Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 79360 Villiers en Bois, France
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Achatz RW, de Vasconcellos ACS, Pereira L, Viana PVDS, Basta PC. Impacts of the Goldmining and Chronic Methylmercury Exposure on the Good-Living and Mental Health of Munduruku Native Communities in the Amazon Basin. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:8994. [PMID: 34501591 PMCID: PMC8431418 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18178994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This paper is an exploratory study that examines the illegal goldmining impacts on Munduruku communities' "Good-Living" (Xipan Jewewekukap) and explores the possible relationship between chronic methylmercury (MeHg) exposure and the worsening mental health conditions in three villages in the Middle-Tapajós River, Brazilian Amazon. The region has been experiencing a long-lasting threat of goldminers' invasions. A total of 109 people were interviewed and evaluated. Total mercury (THg) exposure levels were evaluated through hair samples analysis, from which MeHg exposure levels were calculated. The Geriatric Depression Scale-Short Form (GDS-SF) was used as a screening tool in order to assess mental health indicators. Brief non-structured interviews were carried out to investigate how goldmining is impacting the communities Good-Living. A Poisson regression model was used to estimate the possible association between mental health indicators (assessed through the GDS-SF) and the following independent variables: (i) mercury exposure level (<10.0 μg/g vs. ≥10.0 μg/g), (ii) self-reported nervousness, (iii) self-reported irritability, (iv) age group, and (v) monthly income. The analysis revealed high levels of mercury in hair samples (median: 7.4 µg/g, range 2.0-22.8; 70% and 28% of the participants had THg levels ≥6.0 and ≥10.0 µg/g, respectively) and pointed to a tendency in which higher levels of methylmercury exposure (Hg ≥ 10.0 µg/g) could be linked to worse mental health indicators. Although the GDS-SF has presented limitations due to the Munduruku sociocultural context, our findings suggest a tendency of worse mental health indicators in participants presenting high levels of MeHg exposure. Despite this limitation, the qualitative approach indicates an evident association between the impacts of goldmining and the Munduruku people's decreasing autonomy to maintain a Good-Living on their own terms, pointing to the importance of carrying out new investigations, especially considering longitudinal studies with qualitative methodologies and ethnographic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafaela Waddington Achatz
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Psicologia Clínica do Instituto de Psicologia, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Av. Professor Mello Moraes, 1721-Butantã, São Paulo 05508-030, Brazil;
| | - Ana Claudia Santiago de Vasconcellos
- Laboratório de Educação Profissional em Vigilância em Saúde, Escola Politécnica de Saúde Joaquim Venâncio, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (EPSJV/Fiocruz), Av. Brasil, 4365-Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil;
| | - Lucia Pereira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Antropologia, Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados (UFGD), Rodovia Dourados, Km 12, Unidade II, 364, Itahum, Dourados 79804-970, Brazil;
| | - Paulo Victor de Sousa Viana
- Centro de Referência Professor Hélio Fraga, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (CRPHF/ENSP/Fiocruz), Estrada de Curicica, 2000, Curicica, Rio de Janeiro 22780-195, Brazil;
| | - Paulo Cesar Basta
- Departamento de Endemias Samuel Pessoa, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (ENSP/Fiocruz), Rua Leopoldo Bulhões, 1480, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro 21041-210, Brazil
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11
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Shinoda Y, Yamada Y, Yoshida E, Takahashi T, Tsuneoka Y, Eto K, Kaji T, Fujiwara Y. Hypoalgesia and recovery in methylmercury-exposed rats. J Toxicol Sci 2021; 46:303-309. [PMID: 34078837 DOI: 10.2131/jts.46.303] [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: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg), the causal substrate in Minamata disease, can lead to severe and chronic neurological disorders. The main symptom of Minamata disease is sensory impairment in the four extremities; however, the sensitivity of individual sensory modalities to MeHg has not been investigated extensively. In the present study, we performed stimulus-response behavioral experiments in MeHg-exposed rats to compare the sensitivities to pain, heat, cold, and mechanical sensations. MeHg (6.7 mg/kg/day) was orally administered to 9-week-old Wistar rats for 5 days and discontinued for 2 days, then administered daily for another 5 days. The four behavioral experiments were performed daily on each rat from the beginning of MeHg treatment for 68 days. The pain sensation decreased significantly from day 11 onwards, but recovered to control levels on day 48. Other sensory modalities were not affected by MeHg exposure. These findings suggest that the pain sensation is the sensory modality most susceptive to MeHg toxicity and that this sensitivity is reversible following discontinuation of the exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yo Shinoda
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Pharmacy, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences
| | - Yuta Yamada
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Pharmacy, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences
| | - Eiko Yoshida
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science
| | - Tsutomu Takahashi
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Pharmacy, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences
| | - Yayoi Tsuneoka
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Pharmacy, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences
| | - Komyo Eto
- Health and Nursing Facilities for the Aged, Jushindai, Shinwakai
| | - Toshiyuki Kaji
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science
| | - Yasuyuki Fujiwara
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Pharmacy, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences
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Yang M, Wang L, Zhang T, Zhu A, Sun Y, Zhao J, Liu D, Wang Q, Zeng K. Different proteomic profiles of cinnabar upon therapeutic and toxic exposure reveal distinctive biological manifestations. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2020; 253:112668. [PMID: 32068139 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2020.112668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Revised: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Cinnabar, a traditional Chinese mineral medicine with sedative and tranquilizing effects, is known to be toxic to the neural system, but its detailed pharmacological and toxicological mechanisms are still unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aimed to explore the potential neuropharmacological and neurotoxicological mechanisms of cinnabar by investigating the differentially expressed proteins in cerebral cortices of mice exposed to therapeutic and toxic doses of cinnabar. MATERIALS AND METHODS Label-free quantitative proteomics and bioinformatics analysis were used to characterize the proteins, pathways, and potential targets associated with therapeutic (50 mg/kg) and toxic (1000 mg/kg) doses of cinnabar in cerebral cortices of mice. Proteomic analysis was verified by parallel reaction monitoring. RESULTS A total of 6370 and 6299 proteins were identified in the cerebral cortices of mice after exposure to therapeutic and toxic doses of cinnabar, among which 130 and 119 proteins were differentially expressed, respectively. Functional/pathway enrichment analysis showed that both exposure doses of cinnabar could affect transport processes in the cerebral cortex through different proteins. The changes induced by the therapeutic dose included pathways involved in translation and sphingolipid metabolism. Interestingly, for the toxic dose, differentially expressed proteins were enriched for functions and pathways related to RNA splicing, transcription, synaptic plasticity regulation and developmental processes, among which RNA splicing was the most significantly affected function. ATP6V1D and CX3CL1 were shown to be possible key proteins affected by cinnabar, leading to multiple functional changes in the cerebral cortex at the therapeutic and toxic doses, respectively. Furthermore, Connectivity Map (CMap) analysis predicted LRRK2 to be a potential therapeutic target and FTase to be a potential toxic target for cinnabar. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that the pathways and potential targets identified in the mouse cerebral cortex exposed to therapeutic and toxic doses of cinnabar are different, which provides novel insights into the potential molecular mechanisms underlying the pharmacological and toxicological effects of cinnabar.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mimi Yang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China; State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Lichao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - An Zhu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Yuqing Sun
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Jingwei Zhao
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Dan Liu
- Proteomics Laboratory, Medical and Healthy Analytical Center, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China; Key Laboratory of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Compatibility Toxicology, Beijing, 100191, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Toxicological Research and Risk Assessment for Food Safety, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Kewu Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China.
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Andrew AS, O’Brien KM, Jackson BP, Sandler DP, Kaye WE, Wagner L, Stommel EW, Horton DK, Mehta P, Weinberg CR. Keratinous biomarker of mercury exposure associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis risk in a nationwide U.S. study. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2020; 21:420-427. [DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2020.1753777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Katie M. O’Brien
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC, USA,
| | - Brian P. Jackson
- Department of Earth Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA,
| | - Dale P. Sandler
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC, USA,
| | | | | | | | - D. Kevin Horton
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Paul Mehta
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), Atlanta, GA, USA
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Lu YT, Qi WZ, Wang S, Song XN, Yang DY, Song M, Hang TJ. Toxicity and risk assessment of mercury exposures from cinnabar and Baizi Yangxin Pills based on pharmacokinetic and tissue distribution studies. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2020; 250:112489. [PMID: 31866510 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2019.112489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Revised: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Baizi Yangxin Pills (BZYXP), a popular cinnabar (α-HgS) contained Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCMs) is widely used in clinical trials. However, mercury is one of the most toxic elements. The adverse effects of cinnabar-containing TCMs have been occasionally reported in recent years, leading to the growing concerns about their toxicity and safety. AIM OF THE STUDY The health risks of BZYXP and cinnabar related to the mercury exposures were evaluated through blood pharmacokinetic and tissue distribution studies in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS The distribution of absorbed mercury in rats' blood and tissues were measured by the developed cold-vapor atomic fluorescence spectrometric method. And the tissue damages were determined through the histopathological examinations. For single dose study, the low and high oral doses were equivalent to 1 and 10-fold therapeutic dose, respectively. The multiple doses study was conducted at low and high dose levels every 12 h for 30 consecutive days. RESULTS Significant differences of mercury blood pharmacokinetic and tissue distribution characteristics were observed between the corresponding BZYXP and cinnabar groups. The herbal ingredients in BZYXP promoted the absorption of bio-accessible mercury of cinnabar and prolonged the elimination process, posing potential health risks. Although mercury was found easily accumulated in kidney, liver and brain tissues, kidney and liver didn't show obvious damages even after 30 days consecutive administration of BZYXP or cinnabar at 10-fold clinically equivalent doses. But brain did show some histopathological changes, and autonomic activities of rats decreased, pointing the potential neurotoxicity. CONCLUSIONS Mercury tend to be accumulated especially when over-dose or prolonged medication with cinnabar-containing TCMs are given. The mercury exposures even at therapeutic doses of BZYXP or cinnabar do pose health risks from the neurotoxicity point of view.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ting Lu
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance (China Pharmaceutical University), Ministry of Education, Nanjing, 210009, China; Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Wen-Zhu Qi
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance (China Pharmaceutical University), Ministry of Education, Nanjing, 210009, China; Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Sheng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance (China Pharmaceutical University), Ministry of Education, Nanjing, 210009, China; Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Xiao-Ni Song
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance (China Pharmaceutical University), Ministry of Education, Nanjing, 210009, China; Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Dan-Yi Yang
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance (China Pharmaceutical University), Ministry of Education, Nanjing, 210009, China; Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Min Song
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance (China Pharmaceutical University), Ministry of Education, Nanjing, 210009, China; Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Tai-Jun Hang
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance (China Pharmaceutical University), Ministry of Education, Nanjing, 210009, China; Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
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15
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Geng L, Xia Z, Yuan L, Li C, Zhang M, Du Y, Wei L, Bi H. Effects of β-HgS on cell viability and intracellular oxidative stress in PC-12 cells. Metallomics 2020; 12:1389-1399. [DOI: 10.1039/d0mt00088d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Traditional Tibetan medicines containing β-HgS have been used to treat chronic ailments for thousands of years. The effects were studied of β-HgS on cell viability and intracellular oxidative stress in PC-12 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lujing Geng
- Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Tibetan Medicine Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation
- Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology
- CAS
- Xining 810008
- China
| | - Zhenghua Xia
- Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Tibetan Medicine Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation
- Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology
- CAS
- Xining 810008
- China
| | - Lu Yuan
- Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Tibetan Medicine Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation
- Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology
- CAS
- Xining 810008
- China
| | - Cen Li
- Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Tibetan Medicine Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation
- Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology
- CAS
- Xining 810008
- China
| | - Ming Zhang
- Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Tibetan Medicine Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation
- Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology
- CAS
- Xining 810008
- China
| | - Yuzhi Du
- Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Tibetan Medicine Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation
- Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology
- CAS
- Xining 810008
- China
| | - Lixin Wei
- Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Tibetan Medicine Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation
- Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology
- CAS
- Xining 810008
- China
| | - Hongtao Bi
- Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Tibetan Medicine Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation
- Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology
- CAS
- Xining 810008
- China
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16
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Nicoletti A, Cicero CE, Mostile G, Giuliano L, Luca A, Zappia M. Comment to: Trace elements in ALS patients and their relationships with clinical severity, by Oggiano R. et al. CHEMOSPHERE 2019; 233:986-987. [PMID: 30824159 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.02.112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2018] [Revised: 02/07/2019] [Accepted: 02/17/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Nicoletti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche, Chirurgiche e Tecnologie Avanzate "G.F. Ingrassia", Università degli Studi di Catania, Catania, Italy.
| | - Calogero Edoardo Cicero
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche, Chirurgiche e Tecnologie Avanzate "G.F. Ingrassia", Università degli Studi di Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Giovanni Mostile
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche, Chirurgiche e Tecnologie Avanzate "G.F. Ingrassia", Università degli Studi di Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Loretta Giuliano
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche, Chirurgiche e Tecnologie Avanzate "G.F. Ingrassia", Università degli Studi di Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Antonina Luca
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche, Chirurgiche e Tecnologie Avanzate "G.F. Ingrassia", Università degli Studi di Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Mario Zappia
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche, Chirurgiche e Tecnologie Avanzate "G.F. Ingrassia", Università degli Studi di Catania, Catania, Italy
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17
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Tsoi B, Wang S, Gao C, Luo Y, Li W, Yang D, Yang D, Shen J. Realgar and cinnabar are essential components contributing to neuroprotection of Angong Niuhuang Wan with no hepatorenal toxicity in transient ischemic brain injury. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2019; 377:114613. [PMID: 31207256 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2019.114613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Revised: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Realgar and cinnabar are commonly used mineral medicine containing arsenic and mercury in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Angong Niuhuang Wan (AGNHW) is a representative realgar- and cinnabar-containing TCM formula for treating acute ischemic stroke, but its toxicology and neuropharmacological effects are not well addressed. In this study, we compared the neuropharmacological effects of AGNHW and modified AGNHW in an experimental ischemic stroke rat model. Male SD rats were subjected to 2 h of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) plus 22 h of reperfusion. Although oral administration of AGNHW for 7 days in the rats increased arsenic level in the blood and liver tissue, there were no significant changes in the arsenic level in kidney, mercury level in the blood, liver and kidney as well as hepatic and renal functions in MCAO rats. AGNHW revealed neuroprotective properties by reducing infarction volume, preserving blood-brain barrier integrity and improving neurological functions against cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. Interestingly, removing realgar and/or cinnabar from AGNHW abolished the neuroprotective effects. Meanwhile, AGNHW could scavenge peroxynitrite, down-regulate the expression of p47phox, 3-NT and MMP-9 and up-regulate the expression of ZO-1 and claudin-5 in the ischemic brains, which were abolished by removing realgar and/or cinnabar from AGNHW. Notably, realgar or cinnabar had no neuroprotection when used alone. Taken together, oral administration of AGNHW for one week should be safe for treating ischemic stroke with neuroprotective effects. Realgar and cinnabar are necessary elements with synergetic actions with other herbal materials for the neuroprotective effects of AGNHW against cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bun Tsoi
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Songlin Wang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chong Gao
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yunhao Luo
- School of Biomedical Science, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wenting Li
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Dan Yang
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Depo Yang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiangang Shen
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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18
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He Q, Ma J, Kalavagunta PK, Zhou L, Zhu J, Dong J, Ahmad O, Du Y, Wei L, Shang J. HgS Inhibits Oxidative Stress Caused by Hypoxia through Regulation of 5-HT Metabolism Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20061364. [PMID: 30889910 PMCID: PMC6471647 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20061364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Revised: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aims to reveal the potential relationship between 5-HT and oxidative stress in the organism. Our in vitro experiments in RIN-14B cells showed that anoxia leads the cells to the state of oxidative stress. Administration of exogenous 5-HT exacerbated this effect, whereas the inhibition of Tph1, LP533401 alleviated the oxidative stress. Several research articles reported that Cinnabar (consists of more than 96% mercury sulfide, HgS), which is widely used in both Chinese and Indian traditional medicine prescriptions, has been involved in the regulation of 5-HT. The present research revealed that HgS relieved the level of oxidative stress of RIN-14B cells. This pharmacological activity was also observed in the prescription drug Zuotai, in which HgS accounts for 54.5%, and these effects were found to be similar to LP533401, an experimental drug to treat pulmonary hypertension. Further, our in vivo experiments revealed that the administration of cinnabar or prescription drug Zuotai in zebrafish reduced the reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by hypoxia and cured behavioral abnormalities. Taken together, in organisms with hypoxia induced oxidative stress 5-HT levels were found to be abnormally elevated, indicating that 5-HT could regulate oxidative stress, and the decrease in the 5-HT levels, behavioral abnormalities after treatment with cinnabar and Zuotai, we may conclude that the therapeutic and pharmacologic effect of cinnabar and Zuotai may be based on the regulation of 5-HT metabolism and relief of oxidative stress. Even though they aren't toxic at the present dosage in both cell lines and zebrafish, their dose dependent toxicities are yet to be evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiangqiang He
- Qinghai Key Laboratory of Tibetan Medicine Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, Qinghai 810008, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Ji Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China.
- School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China.
| | - Praveen Kumar Kalavagunta
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China.
- School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China.
| | - Liangliang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China.
- School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China.
| | - Junyi Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China.
- School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China.
| | - Jing Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China.
- School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China.
| | - Owais Ahmad
- School of Life Sciences, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China.
| | - Yuzhi Du
- Qinghai Key Laboratory of Tibetan Medicine Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, Qinghai 810008, China.
| | - Lixin Wei
- Qinghai Key Laboratory of Tibetan Medicine Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, Qinghai 810008, China.
| | - Jing Shang
- Qinghai Key Laboratory of Tibetan Medicine Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, Qinghai 810008, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China.
- School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China.
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Cariccio VL, Samà A, Bramanti P, Mazzon E. Mercury Involvement in Neuronal Damage and in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Biol Trace Elem Res 2019; 187:341-356. [PMID: 29777524 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-018-1380-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and multiple sclerosis are characterized by a chronic and selective process of neuronal cell death. Although the causes of neurodegenerative diseases remain still unknown, it is now a well-established idea that more factors, such as genetic, endogenous, and environmental, are involved. Among environmental causes, the accumulation of mercury, a heavy metal considered a toxic agent, was largely studied as a probable factor involved in neurodegenerative disease course. Mercury exists in three main forms: elemental mercury, inorganic mercury, and organic mercury (methylmercury and ethylmercury). Sources of elemental mercury can be natural (volcanic emission) or anthropogenic (coal-fired electric utilities, waste combustion, hazardous-waste incinerators, and gold extraction). Moreover, mercury is still used as an antiseptic, as a medical preservative, and as a fungicide. Dental amalgam can emit mercury vapor. Mercury vapor, being highly volatile and lipid soluble, can cross the blood-brain barrier and the lipid cell membranes and can be accumulated into the cells in its inorganic forms. Also, methylmercury can pass through blood-brain and placental barriers, causing serious damage in the central nervous system. This review describes the toxic effects of mercury in cell cultures, in animal models, and in patients with neurodegenerative diseases. In vitro experiments showed that mercury exposure was principally involved in oxidative stress and apoptotic processes. Moreover, motor and cognitive impairment and neural loss have been confirmed in various studies performed in animal models. Finally, observational studies on patients with neurodegenerative diseases showed discordant data about a possible mercury involvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Lanza Cariccio
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi "Bonino Pulejo", Via Provinciale Palermo, Contrada Casazza, 98124, Messina, Italy
| | - Annalisa Samà
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi "Bonino Pulejo", Via Provinciale Palermo, Contrada Casazza, 98124, Messina, Italy
| | - Placido Bramanti
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi "Bonino Pulejo", Via Provinciale Palermo, Contrada Casazza, 98124, Messina, Italy
| | - Emanuela Mazzon
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi "Bonino Pulejo", Via Provinciale Palermo, Contrada Casazza, 98124, Messina, Italy.
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Chemical Compositions of Metals in Bhasmas and Tibetan Zuotai Are a Major Determinant of Their Therapeutic Effects and Toxicity. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2019; 2019:1697804. [PMID: 30941186 PMCID: PMC6421027 DOI: 10.1155/2019/1697804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Revised: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 12/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Minerals are alchemically processed as Bhasmas in Ayurvedic medicines or as Zuotai in Tibetan medicines. Ayurveda is a knowledge system of longevity and considers the mineral elixir made from “nature” capable of giving humans perpetual life. Herbo-metallic preparations have a long history in the treatment of various diseases in India, China, and around the world. Their disposition, pharmacology, efficacy, and safety require scientific evaluation. This review discusses the Bhasmas in Ayurvedic medicines and Zuotai in Tibetan medicines for their occurrence, bioaccessibility, therapeutic use, pharmacology, toxicity, and research perspectives. A literature search on Mineral, Bhasma, Ayurvedic medicine, Zuotai, Tibetan medicine, and Metals/metalloids from PubMed, Google and other sources was carried out, and the relevant papers on their traditional use, pharmacology, and toxicity were selected and analyzed. Minerals are processed to form Bhasma or Zuotai to alter their physiochemical properties distinguishing them from environmental metals. The metals found in Ayurveda are mainly from the intentional addition in the form of Bhasma or Zuotai. Bhasma and Zuotai are often used in combination with other herbals and/or animal-based products as mixtures. The advanced technologies are now utilized to characterize herbo-metallic preparations as Quality Assurance/Quality Control. The bioaccessibility, absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination of herbo-metallic preparations are different from environmental metals. The pharmacological basis of Bhasma in Ayurveda and Zuotai in Tibetan medicines and their interactions with drugs require scientific research. Although the toxic potentials of Bhasma and Zuotai differ from environmental metals, the metal poisoning case reports, especially lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and arsenic (As) from inappropriate use of traditional medicines, are increasing, and pharmacovigilance is desired. In risk assessment, chemical forms of metals in Bhasma and Zuotai should be considered for their disposition, efficacy, and toxicity.
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21
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Povedano M, Saez M, Martínez-Matos JA, Barceló MA. Spatial Assessment of the Association between Long-Term Exposure to Environmental Factors and the Occurrence of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis in Catalonia, Spain: A Population-Based Nested Case-Control Study. Neuroepidemiology 2018; 51:33-49. [PMID: 29852480 DOI: 10.1159/000489664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2018] [Accepted: 04/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is believed that an interaction between genetic and non-genetic factors may be involved in the development of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). With the exception of exposure to agricultural chemicals like pesticides, evidence of an association between environmental risk factors and ALS is inconsistent. Our objective here was to investigate the association between long-term exposure to environmental factors and the occurrence of ALS in Catalonia, Spain, and to provide evidence that spatial clusters of ALS related to these environmental factors exist. METHODS We carried out a nested case-control study constructed from a retrospective population-based cohort, covering the entire region. Environmental variables were the explanatory variables of interest. We controlled for both observed and unobserved confounders. RESULTS We have found some spatial clusters of ALS. The results from the multivariate model suggest that these clusters could be related to some of the environmental variables, in particular agricultural chemicals. In addition, in high-risk clusters, besides corresponding to agricultural areas, key road infrastructures with a high density of traffic are also located. CONCLUSION Our results indicate that some environmental factors, in particular those associated with exposure to pesticides and air pollutants as a result of urban traffic, could be associated with the occurrence of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mònica Povedano
- Functional Motoneurona Unit (UFMNA), Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marc Saez
- Research Group on Statistics, Econometrics and Health (GRECS), University of Girona, Girona, Spain.,CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan-Antonio Martínez-Matos
- Functional Motoneurona Unit (UFMNA), Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Antònia Barceló
- Functional Motoneurona Unit (UFMNA), Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.,Research Group on Statistics, Econometrics and Health (GRECS), University of Girona, Girona, Spain.,CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
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22
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Cicero CE, Mostile G, Vasta R, Rapisarda V, Signorelli SS, Ferrante M, Zappia M, Nicoletti A. Metals and neurodegenerative diseases. A systematic review. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2017; 159:82-94. [PMID: 28777965 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2017.07.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2017] [Revised: 07/26/2017] [Accepted: 07/28/2017] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative processes encompass a large variety of diseases with different pathological patterns and clinical presentation such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimer Disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). Genetic mutations have a known causative role, but the majority of cases are likely to be probably caused by a complex gene-environment interaction. Exposure to metals has been hypothesized to increase oxidative stress in brain cells leading to cell death and neurodegeneration. Neurotoxicity of metals has been demonstrated by several in vitro and in vivo experimental studies and it is likely that each metal could be toxic through specific pathways. The possible pathogenic role of different metals has been supported by some epidemiological evidences coming from occupational and ecological studies. In order to assess the possible association between metals and neurodegenerative disorders, several case-control studies have also been carried out evaluating the metals concentration in different biological specimens such as blood/serum/plasma, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), nail and hair, often reporting conflicting results. This review provides an overview of our current knowledge on the possible association between metals and ALS, AD and PD as main neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Calogero Edoardo Cicero
- Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "G. F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Giovanni Mostile
- Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "G. F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Rosario Vasta
- Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "G. F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Venerando Rapisarda
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Margherita Ferrante
- Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "G. F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Mario Zappia
- Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "G. F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Alessandra Nicoletti
- Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "G. F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
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Costa Junior JMF, Lima AADS, Rodrigues Junior D, Khoury EDT, Souza GDS, Silveira LCDL, Pinheiro MDCN. Manifestações emocionais e motoras de ribeirinhos expostos ao mercúrio na Amazônia. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE EPIDEMIOLOGIA 2017; 20:212-224. [DOI: 10.1590/1980-5497201700020003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2016] [Accepted: 11/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
RESUMO: Introdução: A investigação dos impactos clínico-neurológicos associados às concentrações de exposição ao mercúrio em populações expostas é necessária na Amazônia. Objetivo: Analisar as manifestações emocionais e motoras de ribeirinhos expostos pela dieta nos municípios de Itaituba e Acará, ambos no Pará. Método: Foram coletadas amostras de cabelo para a determinação de mercúrio total (HgT), obtidos dados demográficos e sintomatológicos emocionais (depressão, ansiedade e insônia) e motores (parestesia, fraqueza muscular, desequilíbrio ao andar, tremor, dor nos membros e disartria). Resultados: A concentração mediana de HgT em Itaituba foi significativamente superior (p < 0,0001) àquela em Acará. As manifestações emocionais foram identificadas em 26 (26,5%) participantes de Itaituba e em 24 (52,2%) em Acará. Com relação às queixas motoras especificas, em Itaituba ocorreram em 63 (64,3%) voluntários, sendo mais referidas a dor nos membros (36,7%), a parestesia (32,6%) e a fraqueza muscular (27,5%). No Acará, 33 (71,7%) participantes apresentaram manifestações motoras, com o maior número queixando de parestesia (54,3%), dor nos membros (52,2%) e tremor (34,8%). As concentrações médias de HgT em Itaituba naqueles com manifestações emocionais e com manifestações motoras estiveram acima do considerado tolerável (6 µg/g) pela Organização Mundial de Saúde. Conclusão: Os resultados revelaram que a concentração de mercúrio nas manifestações emocionais e motoras de Itaituba são maiores do que nos ribeirinhos do Acará. Novos estudos são necessários com a aplicação de testes convencionais qualitativos e/ou quantitativos específicos, assim como também a investigação de outros sinais clínicos.
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Sallon S, Dory Y, Barghouthy Y, Tamdin T, Sangmo R, Tashi J, Yangdon S, Yeshi T, Sadutshang T, Rotenberg M, Cohen E, Harlavan Y, Sharabi G, Bdolah-Abram T. Is mercury in Tibetan Medicine toxic? Clinical, neurocognitive and biochemical results of an initial cross-sectional study. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2016; 242:316-332. [PMID: 27738246 DOI: 10.1177/1535370216672748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Mercury an important therapeutic substance in Tibetan Medicine undergoes complex "detoxification" prior to inclusion in multi-ingredient formulas. In an initial cross-sectional study, patients taking Tibetan Medicine for various conditions were evaluated for mercury toxicity. Two groups were identified: Group 1, patients taking " Tsothel" the most important detoxified mercury preparation and Group 2, patients taking other mercury preparations or mercury free Tibetan Medicine. Atomic fluorescence spectrometry of Tibetan Medicine showed mercury consumption 130 µg/kg/day (Group 1) and 30 µg/kg/day (Group 2) ( P ≤ 0.001), levels above EPA (RfDs) suggested threshold (0.3 µg/kg /day) for oral chronic exposure. Mean duration of Tibetan Medicine treatment was 9 ± 17 months (range 3-116) (Group 1) and 5 ± 1.96 months (range 1-114) (Group 2) (NS) with cumulative days of mercury containing Tibetan Medicine, 764 days ± 1214 (range 135-7330) vs. 103 days ± 111 (range 0-426), respectively ( P ≤ 0.001). Comparison of treatment groups with healthy referents (Group 3) not taking Tibetan Medicine showed no significant differences in prevalence of 23 non-specific symptoms of mercury toxicity, abnormal neurological, cardiovascular and dental findings and no correlation with mercury exposure variables; consumption, cumulative treatment days, blood/ urine Hg. Liver and renal function tests in treatment groups were not significantly increased compared to referents, with mean urine Beta2 Microglobulin within the normal range and not significantly associated with Hg exposure variables after correcting for confounding variables. Neurocognitive testing showed no significant intergroup differences for Wechsler Memory Scale, Grooved Pegboard, Visual Retention, but Group1 scores were better for Mini-Mental, Brief Word Learning, Verbal Fluency after correcting for confounding variables. These results suggest mercury containing Tibetan Medicine does not have appreciable adverse effects and may exert a possible beneficial effect on neurocognitive function. Since evidence of mercury as a toxic heavy metal, however, is well known, further analysis of literature on mercury use in other Asian traditional systems is highly suggested prior to further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Sallon
- 1 The Louis L Borick Natural Medicine Research Center, Hadassah Medical Organization, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
| | - Yahav Dory
- 2 Hebrew University Hadassah, School of Medicine, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
| | - Yazeed Barghouthy
- 2 Hebrew University Hadassah, School of Medicine, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
| | - Tsewang Tamdin
- 3 Men-Tsee-Khang Tibetan Medical & Astro Institute of H.H the Dalai Lama, Dharamsala, HP 176215, India
| | - Rigzin Sangmo
- 3 Men-Tsee-Khang Tibetan Medical & Astro Institute of H.H the Dalai Lama, Dharamsala, HP 176215, India
| | - Jamyang Tashi
- 3 Men-Tsee-Khang Tibetan Medical & Astro Institute of H.H the Dalai Lama, Dharamsala, HP 176215, India
| | - Sonam Yangdon
- 3 Men-Tsee-Khang Tibetan Medical & Astro Institute of H.H the Dalai Lama, Dharamsala, HP 176215, India
| | - Tenzin Yeshi
- 3 Men-Tsee-Khang Tibetan Medical & Astro Institute of H.H the Dalai Lama, Dharamsala, HP 176215, India
| | | | - Michal Rotenberg
- 5 Institute of Toxicology, Tel Hashomer Hospital, Ramat Gan 52621 Israel
| | - Elinor Cohen
- 5 Institute of Toxicology, Tel Hashomer Hospital, Ramat Gan 52621 Israel
| | - Yehudit Harlavan
- 6 Division of Geochemistry & Environmental Geology, The Geological Survey of Israel, Jerusalem 9550, Israel
| | - Galit Sharabi
- 6 Division of Geochemistry & Environmental Geology, The Geological Survey of Israel, Jerusalem 9550, Israel
| | - Tali Bdolah-Abram
- 2 Hebrew University Hadassah, School of Medicine, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
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25
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Sumathi T, Christinal J. Neuroprotective Effect of Portulaca oleraceae Ethanolic Extract Ameliorates Methylmercury Induced Cognitive Dysfunction and Oxidative Stress in Cerebellum and Cortex of Rat Brain. Biol Trace Elem Res 2016; 172:155-165. [PMID: 26563420 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-015-0546-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [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: 08/19/2015] [Accepted: 10/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) is highly toxic, and its principal target tissue in human is the nervous system, which has made MeHg intoxication a public health concern for many decades. Portulaca oleraceae (purslane), a member of the Portulacaceae family, is widespread as a weed and has been ranked the eighth most common plant in the world. In this study, we sought for potential beneficial effects of Portulaca oleracea ethanolic extract (POEE) against the neurotoxicity induced by MeHg in cerebellum and cortex of rats. Male Wistar rats were administered with MeHg orally at a dose of 5 mg/kg b.w. for 21 days. Experimental rats were given MeHg and also administered with POEE (4 mg/kg, orally) 1 h prior to the administration of MeHg for 21 days. After MeHg exposure, we determine the mercury concentration by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS); mercury content was observed high in MeHg-induced group. POEE reduced the mercury content. We also observed that the activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and the level of glutathione were reduced. The levels of glutathione reductase and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance were found to be increased. The above biochemical changes were found to be reversed with POEE. Behavioral changes like decrease tail flick response, longer immobility time, and decreased motor activity were noted down during MeHg exposure. POEE pretreatment offered protection from these behavioral changes. MeHg intoxication also caused histopathological changes in cerebellum and cortex, which was found to be normalized by treatment with POEE. The present results indicate that POEE has protective effect against MeHg-induced neurotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thangarajan Sumathi
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Dr. ALM Post Graduate Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Taramani Campus, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600 113, India.
| | - Johnson Christinal
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Dr. ALM Post Graduate Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Taramani Campus, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600 113, India
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26
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Tinggi U, Sadler R, Ng J, Noller B, Seawright A. Bioavailability study of arsenic and mercury in traditional Chinese medicines (TCM) using an animal model after a single dose exposure. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2016; 76:51-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2016.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2015] [Revised: 12/10/2015] [Accepted: 01/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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27
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Ramanan N, Lahiri D, Rajput P, Varma RC, Arun A, Muraleedharan TS, Pandey KK, Maiti N, Jha SN, Sharma SM. Investigating structural aspects to understand the putative/claimed non-toxicity of the Hg-based Ayurvedic drug Rasasindura using XAFS. JOURNAL OF SYNCHROTRON RADIATION 2015; 22:1233-1241. [PMID: 26289275 DOI: 10.1107/s1600577515012473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2015] [Accepted: 06/29/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
XANES- and EXAFS-based analysis of the Ayurvedic Hg-based nano-drug Rasasindura has been performed to seek evidence of its non-toxicity. Rasasindura is determined to be composed of single-phase α-HgS nanoparticles (size ∼24 nm), free of Hg(0) or organic molecules; its structure is determined to be robust (<3% defects). The non-existence of Hg(0) implies the absence of Hg-based toxicity and establishes that chemical form, rather than content of heavy metals, is the correct parameter for evaluating the toxicity in these drugs. The stable α-HgS form (strong Hg-S covalent bond and robust particle character) ensures the integrity of the drug during delivery and prevention of its reduction to Hg(0) within the human body. Further, these comparative studies establish that structural parameters (size dispersion, coordination configuration) are better controlled in Rasasindura. This places the Ayurvedic synthesis method on par with contemporary techniques of nanoparticle synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nitya Ramanan
- High Pressure and Synchrotron Radiation Physics Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Purnima Labs Trombay, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400085, India
| | - Debdutta Lahiri
- High Pressure and Synchrotron Radiation Physics Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Purnima Labs Trombay, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400085, India
| | - Parasmani Rajput
- Atomic and Molecular Physics Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Purnima Labs Trombay, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400085, India
| | | | - A Arun
- Arya Vaidya Sala, Kottakkal, Kerala 676503, India
| | | | - K K Pandey
- High Pressure and Synchrotron Radiation Physics Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Purnima Labs Trombay, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400085, India
| | - Nandita Maiti
- Radiation and Photochemistry Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400085, India
| | - S N Jha
- Atomic and Molecular Physics Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Purnima Labs Trombay, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400085, India
| | - Surinder M Sharma
- High Pressure and Synchrotron Radiation Physics Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Purnima Labs Trombay, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400085, India
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28
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Wei L, Xue R, Zhang P, Wu Y, Li X, Pei F. (1)H NMR-Based Metabolomics and Neurotoxicity Study of Cerebrum and Cerebellum in Rats Treated with Cinnabar, a Traditional Chinese Medicine. OMICS-A JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE BIOLOGY 2015; 19:490-8. [PMID: 26110755 DOI: 10.1089/omi.2015.0042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Cinnabar, an important traditional Chinese mineral medicine, has been widely used as a Chinese patent medicine ingredient for sedative therapy. Nevertheless, the neurotoxic effects of cinnabar have also been noted. In this study, (1)H NMR-based metabolomics, combined with multivariate pattern recognition, were applied to investigate the neurotoxic effects of cinnabar after intragastrical administration (dosed at 2 and 5 g/kg body weight) on male Wistar rats. The metabolite variations induced by cinnabar were characterized by increased levels of glutamate, glutamine, myo-inositol, and choline, as well as decreased levels of GABA, taurine, NAA, and NAAG in tissue extracts of the cerebellum and cerebrum. These findings suggested that cinnabar induced glutamate excitotoxicity, neuronal cell loss, osmotic state changes, membrane fluidity disruption, and oxidative injury in the brain. We also show here that there is a dose- and time-dependent neurotoxicity of cinnabar, and that cerebellum was more sensitive to cinnabar induction than cerebrum. This work illustrates the utility and reliability of (1)H NMR-based metabolomics approach for examining the potential neurotoxic effects of cinnabar and other traditional Chinese medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lai Wei
- Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Rong Xue
- Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Panpan Zhang
- Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Yijie Wu
- Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaojing Li
- Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Fengkui Pei
- Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Changchun, People's Republic of China
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Christinal J, Sumathi T. Effect of Bacopa monniera extract on methylmercury-induced behavioral and histopathological changes in rats. Biol Trace Elem Res 2013; 155:56-64. [PMID: 23872736 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-013-9756-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2013] [Accepted: 07/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) is a well-recognized environmental contaminant with established health risk to human beings by fish and marine mammal consumption. Bacopa monniera (BM) is a perennial herb and is used as a nerve tonic in Ayurveda, a traditional medicine system in India. This study was aimed to evaluate the effect of B. monniera extract (BME) on MeHg-induced toxicity in rat cerebellum. Male Wistar rats were administered with MeHg orally at a dose of 5 mg/kg b.w. for 21 days. Experimental rats were given MeHg and also administered with BME (40 mg/kg, orally) 1 h prior to the administration of MeHg for 21 days. After treatment period, MeHg exposure significantly decreases the body weight and also caused the following behavioral changes. Decrease tail flick response, longer immobility time, significant decrease in motor activity, and spatial short-term memory. BME pretreatment reverted the behavioral changes to normal. MeHg exposure decreases the DNA and RNA content in cerebellum and also caused some pathological changes in cerebellum. Pretreatment with BME restored all the changes to near normal. These findings suggest that BME has a potent efficacy to alleviate MeHg-induced toxicity in rat cerebellum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johnson Christinal
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Dr. ALM Post Graduate Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Taramani Campus, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
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30
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Trojsi F, Monsurrò MR, Tedeschi G. Exposure to environmental toxicants and pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: state of the art and research perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2013; 14:15286-311. [PMID: 23887652 PMCID: PMC3759860 DOI: 10.3390/ijms140815286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2013] [Revised: 07/05/2013] [Accepted: 07/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a broad scientific consensus that amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a fatal neuromuscular disease, is caused by gene--environment interactions. In fact, given that only about 10% of all ALS diagnosis has a genetic basis, gene-environmental interaction may give account for the remaining percentage of cases. However, relatively little attention has been paid to environmental and lifestyle factors that may trigger the cascade of motor neuron degeneration leading to ALS, although exposure to chemicals--including lead and pesticides-agricultural environments, smoking, intense physical activity, trauma and electromagnetic fields have been associated with an increased risk of ALS. This review provides an overview of our current knowledge of potential toxic etiologies of ALS with emphasis on the role of cyanobacteria, heavy metals and pesticides as potential risk factors for developing ALS. We will summarize the most recent evidence from epidemiological studies and experimental findings from animal and cellular models, revealing that potential causal links between environmental toxicants and ALS pathogenesis have not been fully ascertained, thus justifying the need for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Trojsi
- Department of Medical, Surgical, Neurological, Metabolic and Aging Sciences, Second University of Naples, Piazza Miraglia 2, Naples 80138, Italy; E-Mails: (M.R.M.); (G.T.)
- Neurological Institute for Diagnosis and Care “Hermitage Capodimonte”, Via Cupa delle Tozzole 2, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Monsurrò
- Department of Medical, Surgical, Neurological, Metabolic and Aging Sciences, Second University of Naples, Piazza Miraglia 2, Naples 80138, Italy; E-Mails: (M.R.M.); (G.T.)
- Neurological Institute for Diagnosis and Care “Hermitage Capodimonte”, Via Cupa delle Tozzole 2, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Gioacchino Tedeschi
- Department of Medical, Surgical, Neurological, Metabolic and Aging Sciences, Second University of Naples, Piazza Miraglia 2, Naples 80138, Italy; E-Mails: (M.R.M.); (G.T.)
- Neurological Institute for Diagnosis and Care “Hermitage Capodimonte”, Via Cupa delle Tozzole 2, Naples 80131, Italy
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31
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Wang Q, Yang X, Zhang B, Yang X, Wang K. Cinnabar is Different from Mercuric Chloride in Mercury Absorption and Influence on the Brain Serotonin Level. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2013; 112:412-7. [DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.12045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2012] [Accepted: 12/19/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Qi Wang
- Department of Toxicology School of Public HealthPeking UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Xiaoda Yang
- State Key Laboratories of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs School of Pharmaceutical SciencesPeking UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Baoxu Zhang
- Department of Toxicology School of Public HealthPeking UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Xiuwei Yang
- State Key Laboratories of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs School of Pharmaceutical SciencesPeking UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Kui Wang
- State Key Laboratories of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs School of Pharmaceutical SciencesPeking UniversityBeijingChina
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32
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Hassauer M, Kaiser E, Schneider K, Schuhmacher‐Wolz U. Collate the literature on toxicity data on mercury in experimental animals and humans (Part I – Data on organic mercury). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012. [DOI: 10.2903/sp.efsa.2012.en-297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Hassauer
- Forschungs‐ und Beratungsinstitut Gefahrstoffe GmbH (FoBiG) Freiburg Germany
| | - Eva Kaiser
- Forschungs‐ und Beratungsinstitut Gefahrstoffe GmbH (FoBiG) Freiburg Germany
| | - Klaus Schneider
- Forschungs‐ und Beratungsinstitut Gefahrstoffe GmbH (FoBiG) Freiburg Germany
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Mercury toxicity on sodium pump and organoseleniums intervention: a paradox. J Biomed Biotechnol 2012; 2012:924549. [PMID: 22927724 PMCID: PMC3425867 DOI: 10.1155/2012/924549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2012] [Accepted: 07/01/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Mercury is an environmental poison, and the damage to living system is generally severe. The severity of mercury poisoning is consequent from the fact that it targets the thiol-containing enzymes, irreversibly oxidizing their critical thiol groups, consequently leading to an inactivation of the enzyme. The Na+/K+-ATPase is a sulfhydryl protein that is sensitive to Hg2+ assault. On the other hand, organoseleniums are a class of pharmacologically promising compounds with potent antioxidant effects. While Hg2+ oxidizes sulfhydryl groups of Na+/K+-ATPase under in vitro and in vivo conditions, the organoselenium compounds inhibit Na+/K+-ATPase in vitro but enhance its activities under in vivo conditions with concomitant increase in the level of endogenous thiols. Paradoxically, it appears that these two thiol oxidants can be used to counteract one another under in vivo conditions, and this hypothesis serves as the basis for this paper.
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Exposure to low dose of cinnabar (a naturally occurring mercuric sulfide (HgS)) caused neurotoxicological effects in offspring mice. J Biomed Biotechnol 2012; 2012:254582. [PMID: 22888198 PMCID: PMC3408718 DOI: 10.1155/2012/254582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2012] [Accepted: 05/24/2012] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cinnabar, a naturally occurring mercuric sulfide (HgS), has long been used in Chinese mineral medicine for more than 2000 years. Although mercury is well-known for its toxicity, whether cinnabar induces neurotoxicity, especially in infants and children, is unknown. The purpose of this study was to explore the neurotoxic effects of low-dose of cinnabar (10 mg/kg/day) on developing mice. The results revealed neurobehavioral defects in F1-C-Cin group, which were associated with Hg accumulation, increased NO(x) levels in whole blood, and Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase activities in brain tissues. F1- and F2-Cin-V groups were found to increase brain Hg contents and prominent neurobehavioral defects compared with F1-C-V group, suggesting that the fetal brain was more susceptible to irreversible effects for cinnabar-induced damage. Moreover, F1- and F2-Cin-Cin groups had severely neurobehavioral dysfunctions, closely correlated with the further alteration of NO(x) levels and Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase activities than F1- and F2-C-Cin groups. Effects in F2-Cin-Cin group were more significant than those in F1-Cin-Cin group. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that exposure to low-dose of cinnabar during the perinatal and developmental stages results in irreversible and severe injuries of the neurotoxicity in offspring, and NO(x) and Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase activities may exist potential and useful biomarkers for neurotoxicity-induced by low-doses of mercuric compounds.
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Kamath SU, Pemiah B, Sekar RK, Krishnaswamy S, Sethuraman S, Krishnan UM. Mercury-based traditional herbo-metallic preparations: a toxicological perspective. Arch Toxicol 2012; 86:831-8. [DOI: 10.1007/s00204-012-0826-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2012] [Accepted: 02/27/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Muccillo-Baisch AL, Mirlean N, Carrazzoni D, Soares MCF, Goulart GP, Baisch P. Health effects of ingestion of mercury-polluted urban soil: an animal experiment. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2012; 34:43-53. [PMID: 21451960 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-011-9389-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2010] [Accepted: 03/16/2011] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Rio Grande, the southernmost Brazilian port and industrial center, is marked by mercury-polluted ground cover. This pollution varies spatially, with levels exceeding 1,000 μg kg(-1) in 30% of the urban territory. The risk of Hg impact as a result of deliberate and involuntary geophagy is increased by restrained urban conditions in combination with the large proportion of the population living at low-income levels. Laboratory tests have demonstrated that ingestion of Hg-polluted soil by rats results in significant alterations in animal health such as stagnation in body weight increase, and significant mercury accumulation in the liver and kidney. The consumption of Hg-contaminated urban soil also provoked changes in hematological profiles of experimental animals by increasing the number of platelets. The present study indicates the potential for the local population of Rio Grande living in mercury-polluted districts, specifically young children, to experience health disturbances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Luiza Muccillo-Baisch
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicological Assays, Institute of Biology Science, Federal University of Rio Grande, Av. Italia km-08, Campus Carreiros, Rio Grande, RS CEP 96201-900, Brazil
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Cuello S, Ximénez-Embún P, Ruppen I, Schonthaler HB, Ashman K, Madrid Y, Luque-Garcia JL, Cámara C. Analysis of protein expression in developmental toxicity induced by MeHg in zebrafish. Analyst 2012; 137:5302-11. [DOI: 10.1039/c2an35913h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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38
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Ramanathan G, Atchison WD. Ca2+ entry pathways in mouse spinal motor neurons in culture following in vitro exposure to methylmercury. Neurotoxicology 2011; 32:742-50. [PMID: 21839771 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2011.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2010] [Revised: 06/06/2011] [Accepted: 07/13/2011] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) is a widespread environmental toxicant with major actions on the central nervous system. Among the neurons reportedly affected in cases of Hg poisoning are motor neurons; however, the direct cellular effects of MeHg on motor neurons have not been reported. Ratiometric fluorescence imaging, using the Ca(2+)-sensitive fluorophore fura-2, was used to examine the effect of MeHg on Ca(2+) homeostasis in primary cultures of mouse spinal motor neurons. In vitro MeHg exposure at concentrations (0.1-2 μM) known to affect other neurons in culture differentially, induced a biphasic rise in fura-2 fluorescence ratio indicating an increase in [Ca(2+)](i). The time-to-onset of these fura-2 fluorescence ratio changes was inversely correlated with MeHg concentration. TPEN (20 μM), a non-Ca(2+), divalent cation chelator, reduced the amplitude of the increase in fura-2 fluorescence induced by MeHg in the first phase, indicating that both Ca(2+) and non-Ca(2+) divalent cations contribute to the MeHg-induced effect. When examining various Ca(2+) entry pathways as possible targets contributing to Ca(2+) influx, we found that excitatory amino acid receptor blockers MK-801 (15 μM), and AP-5 (100 μM)-both NMDA receptor-operated ion channel blockers, CNQX (20 μM), a non-NMDA receptor blocker, and the voltage-dependent Ca(2+) channel blockers nifedipine (1 μM) and ω-conotoxin-GVIA (1 μM) all significantly delayed the development of increased Ca(2+) caused by MeHg. The voltage-dependent Na(+) channel blocker tetrodotoxin (TTX, 1 μM) did not alter the MeHg-induced increases in fura-2 fluorescence ratio. Thus, MeHg alters Ca(2+) homeostasis in mouse spinal motor neurons through excitatory amino acid receptor-mediated pathways, and nifedipine and ω-conotoxin-GVIA-sensitive pathways. Spinal motor neurons are highly sensitive to this effect of acute exposure to MeHg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunasekaran Ramanathan
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
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Evaluation of hepatotoxicity potential of cinnabar-containing An-Gong-Niu-Huang Wan, a patent traditional Chinese medicine. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2011; 60:206-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2011.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2011] [Revised: 03/15/2011] [Accepted: 03/16/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Zhou X, Wang L, Sun X, Yang X, Chen C, Wang Q, Yang X. Cinnabar is not converted into methylmercury by human intestinal bacteria. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2011; 135:110-115. [PMID: 21382464 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2011.02.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2010] [Revised: 02/09/2011] [Accepted: 02/27/2011] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Cinnabar (Cin), a naturally occurring mercuric sulfide (HgS), is a mineral widely used in traditional Chinese medicine throughout history. As for the toxicity of cinnabar, one important assumption is that cinnabar may be transformed into highly toxic methylmercury by gastrointestinal flora. There is no evidence in humans to support this assumption. AIM OF THE STUDY To investigate the biotransformation of cinnabar (HgS) in the human intestinal bacteria with modern analytical techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS A gas chromatograph, equipped with electron capture detection (GC-ECD) and mass spectrometry (GC-MS), were used to detect the formation of methylmercury after incubation of cinnabar with human intestinal bacteria. The content of soluble mercury in the bacteria media was determined by cold vapor-atomic absorption spectrometry (CV-AAS). In addition, X-ray absorption near-edge structure spectroscopy (XANES) was used to confirm the possible transformation of cinnabar in the bacteria media, and under mimetic intestinal condition by measuring the species of sulfur and mercury in the reaction extraction of cinnabar and Na(2)S mixture. RESULTS No methylmercury was detected by both GC-ECD and GC-MS, which suggest that cinnabar (HgS) is not methylated in the human intestine. A small amount of soluble mercury was found to be released in the flora medium of HgS or cinnabar by CV-AAS. The XANES analyses revealed that polysulfides exist in the flora medium, and the simulated results showed that the products by incubating cinnabar with Na(2)S were mercuric polysulfides. CONCLUSION These results showed that under gut flora conditions cinnabar would be transformed into mercuric polysulfides rather than methylmercury. Our work provides evidences of nontoxic transformation of cinnabar in the human intestinal bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinrui Zhou
- State Key Laboratories of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, PR China
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Lu TH, Hsieh SY, Yen CC, Wu HC, Chen KL, Hung DZ, Chen CH, Wu CC, Su YC, Chen YW, Liu SH, Huang CF. Involvement of oxidative stress-mediated ERK1/2 and p38 activation regulated mitochondria-dependent apoptotic signals in methylmercury-induced neuronal cell injury. Toxicol Lett 2011; 204:71-80. [PMID: 21549813 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2011.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2011] [Revised: 04/16/2011] [Accepted: 04/18/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) is well-known for causing irreversible damage in the central nervous system as well as a risk factor for inducing neuronal degeneration. However, the molecular mechanisms of MeHg-induced neurotoxicity remain unclear. Here, we investigated the effects and possible mechanisms of MeHg in the mouse cerebrum (in vivo) and in cultured Neuro-2a cells (in vitro). In vivo study showed that the levels of LPO in the plasma and cerebral cortex significantly increased after administration of MeHg (50μg/kg/day) for 7 consecutive weeks. MeHg could also decrease glutathione level and increase the expressions of caspase-3, -7, and -9, accompanied by Bcl-2 down-regulation and up-regulation of Bax, Bak, and p53. Moreover, treatment of Neuro-2a cells with MeHg significantly reduced cell viability, increased oxidative stress damage, and induced several features of mitochondria-dependent apoptotic signals, including increased sub-G1 hypodiploids, mitochondrial dysfunctions, and the activation of PARP, and caspase cascades. These MeHg-induced apoptotic-related signals could be remarkably reversed by antioxidant NAC. MeHg also increased the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and p38, but not JNK. Pharmacological inhibitors NAC, PD98059, and SB203580 attenuated MeHg-induced cytotoxicity, ERK1/2 and p38 activation, MMP loss, and caspase-3 activation in Neuro-2a cells. Taken together, these results suggest that the signals of ROS-mediated ERK1/2 and p38 activation regulated mitochondria-dependent apoptotic pathways that are involved in MeHg-induced neurotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tien-Hui Lu
- Graduate Institute of Drug Safety, College of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan
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Wu Q, Lu YF, Shi JZ, Liang SX, Shi JS, Liu J. Chemical form of metals in traditional medicines underlines potential toxicity in cell cultures. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2011; 134:839-843. [PMID: 21295128 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2011.01.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2010] [Revised: 01/01/2011] [Accepted: 01/21/2011] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Mercury (Hg) and arsenic (As) are frequently found in traditional medicines as sulfides, such as cinnabar (HgS) and realgar (As(4)S(4)). There is a general perception that any medicinal use of such metal-containing remedies is unacceptable. An opposing opinion is that different chemical forms of arsenic and mercury have different toxic potentials. AIM OF THE STUDY To clarify this question, cinnabar, realgar, and cinnabar- and realgar-containing traditional medicine An-Gong-Niu-HuangWan (AGNH), were compared to well-known mercurials (HgS, HgCl(2) and MeHg) and arsenicals (As(2)S(2), As(2)O(3), NaAsO(2), and Na(2)HAsO(4)) for their cytotoxicity in human and rodent cell lines. MATERIALS AND METHOD Cultured cells derived from target organs such as brain (HAPI) and liver (Hep3B, HepG2 and TRL1215) were treated with chemicals for 48 h and cytotoxicity was determined by the MTS assay. RESULTS MeHg was most toxic with LC(50) of 4-20μM, followed by NaAsO(2) (LC(50), 25-250 μM) and HgCl(2) (LC(50,) 50-100 μM), Na(2)HAsO(4)(LC(50), 60-400μM), As(2)O(3)(LC(50), 30-900 μM), and As(2)S(2) (LC(50), 100-500 μM). In comparison, the LC(50) of realgar ranged from 250 to1500 μM; whereas cinnabar or HgS were approximately 20,000 μM and the toxicity of AGNH was in the range of 1500-8000 μM. Approximately 5000-fold differences exist between MeHg and HgS, and over 10-fold differences exist between NaAsO(2) and As(4)S(4). CONCLUSIONS Chemical forms of metals are important factor in determining their toxicity in traditional medicines, both cinnabar and realgar are much less toxic than well-known mercurial and arsenicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Wu
- Zunyi Medical College, Zunyi, China
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Lu YF, Wu Q, Yan JW, Shi JZ, Liu J, Shi JS. Realgar, cinnabar and An-Gong-Niu-Huang Wan are much less chronically nephrotoxic than common arsenicals and mercurials. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2011; 236:233-9. [PMID: 21321321 DOI: 10.1258/ebm.2010.010247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Realgar (As(4)S(4)) and cinnabar (HgS) are frequently included in traditional Chinese medicines and Indian Ayurvedic medicines. Both As and Hg are well known for toxic effects, and their safety is of concern. The aim of this study was to compare chronic nephrotoxicity of An-Gong-Niu-Huang Wan (AGNH), realgar and cinnabar with common arsenicals and mercurials. Mice were orally administrated with AGNH (3 g/kg, 6-fold of clinical dose), cinnabar (0.3 g/kg, amount in AGNH) and realgar (0.3 g/kg, amount in AGNH), HgCl(2) (0.118 mmol/kg, 1/10 of cinnabar), MeHg (0.012 mmol/kg, 1/100 of cinnabar), NaAsO(2) (As(3+) 0.028 mmol/kg, 1/100 of realgar) or Na(2)HAsO(4) (As(5+) 0.056 mmol/kg, 1/50 of realgar), daily for six weeks, and nephrotoxicity was examined. Animal body weights were decreased by MeHg and HgCl(2). Blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels were elevated by MeHg. Renal pathology was severe in the MeHg and HgCl(2) groups, moderate in the arsenite, arsenate and realgar groups and mild in the cinnabar and AGNH groups. Renal Hg accumulation in the MeHg and HgCl(2) groups was 50-200 folds higher than the cinnabar group. Expressions of metallothionein-1 and heme oxygenase-1, biomarkers for metal toxicity, were increased 2-5 folds by arsenite, arsenate, MeHg and HgCl(2), but not by realgar, cinnabar and AGNH. The chemokine and glutathione-S transferase-α4, markers for inflammation, were also increased by MeHg and HgCl(2). Expressions of cell adhesion gene S100a9 and E-cadherin were altered by HgCl(2), arsenite and realgar. Taken together, chemical forms of mercury and arsenic are major determinants in their disposition and toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Fu Lu
- Department of Pharmacology and Key Lab of Basic Pharmacology of Guizhou, Zunyi Medical College, Zunyi 563003
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Chudzyński K, Jarzyńska G, Stefańska A, Falandysz J. Mercury content and bio-concentration potential of Slippery Jack, Suillus luteus, mushroom. Food Chem 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2010.09.102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Huang CF, Liu SH, Hsu CJ, Lin-Shiau SY. Neurotoxicological effects of low-dose methylmercury and mercuric chloride in developing offspring mice. Toxicol Lett 2010; 201:196-204. [PMID: 21195143 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2010.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2010] [Revised: 12/16/2010] [Accepted: 12/20/2010] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Mercury is a well-known toxic metal and potently induces severe neurotoxicological effects, especially in infants and children. The purpose of this study was to explore the underlying mechanisms of neurotoxic effects of mercurial compounds on the different stages of developing mice. Low-doses (the probability of human exposure in mercury-contaminated areas) of methylmercury (MeHg) (M, 0.02mg/kg/day) and mercury chloride (HgCl(2)) (H, 0.5mg/kg/day) were administered to mice of the following groups: (1) treatment with distilled water for 7 consecutive weeks after weaning (control-vehicle (CV)); exposure to mercurial compounds at different stages; (2) for 7 consecutive weeks after weaning (control-MeHg (CM) and control-HgCl(2) (CH)); (3) only during perinatal and weaning stages (MeHg-vehicle (MV) and HgCl-vehicle (HV)); and (4) in all experimental stages (MeHg-MeHg (MM) and HgCl(2)-HgCl(2) (HH)). Results revealed the neurobehavioral defects (increased locomotor activities, motor equilibrium impairment, and auditory dysfunction) that correlated with increasing Hg accumulation in CM and CH groups. However, it revealed a decrease and an increase in locomotor activities in MV and HV groups, respectively; these became more severe in MM and HH groups than in MV and HV groups. Motor equilibrium performance in MV and HV groups remained normal, while that in MM and HH groups was decreased. The most severe auditory defects (altered auditory brainstem response, ABR test) found in MM and HH groups than those in the respective CM and CH, MV and HV, including absolute wave III delays and interwave I-III latencies, which suggested that the irreversible auditory dysfunction caused by mercurial compounds. Furthermore, the alteration of lipid peroxidation (LPO), Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase activities, and nitric oxide (NO(x)) in the brain tissues contributed to the observed neurobehavioral dysfunction and hearing impairment. These findings provide evidence that fetuses were much more susceptible to the effects of mercurial compounds with regard to inducing severely neurotoxicological injuries as that found in human beings. The signaling of ROS/Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase/NO(x) plays a crucial role in the underlying mechanism for mercurial compound-induced toxic effects in offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Fa Huang
- School of Chinese Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
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Jindal M, Garg GR, Mediratta PK, Fahim M. Protective role of melatonin in myocardial oxidative damage induced by mercury in murine model. Hum Exp Toxicol 2010; 30:1489-500. [DOI: 10.1177/0960327110391685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
This study was designed to investigate the electrophysiological, hemodynamic and biochemical parameters of mercuric chloride and methylmercury exposure on cardiovascular functions and its modulation by melatonin in vivo. Wistar albino rats were divided into six group containing 10 animals each. Mercuric chloride (3.75 µM/L) in drinking water and methylmercury (0.5 mg/kg/day) through gavage, given for 1 month, induced a statistically significant increase ( p < 0.001) in left ventricular end diastolic pressure, blood and cardiac tissue mercury content and myocardial lipid peroxides compared to control. Significant attenuation ( p < 0.05) of baroreflex sensitivity and depletion of myocardial endogenous antioxidants ( p < 0.001) viz. Reduced glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were also found in the mercury-exposed groups as compared to control group. Mercury exposure followed by subacute treatment with melatonin (4 µg/mL/day) in drinking water for 1 month significantly lowered ( p < 0.01) left ventricular end diastolic pressure and lipid peroxide levels and increased baroreceptor sensitivity ( p < 0.001) and also levels of GSH and SOD ( p < 0.001) as compared to mercury-exposed rats. The results of our study provide clear evidence that elevated oxidative stress and altered baroreflex mechanisms caused by mercury intoxication may be the contributing factors responsible for impairment of cardiovascular functions and melatonin may exhibit cardioprotective property against subacute heavy metal intoxication and enhance the antioxidant defense against mercury-induced oxidative myocardial injury in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitali Jindal
- Department of Pharmacology, University College of Medical Sciences & GTB Hospital, Delhi, India
| | - Gobind Rai Garg
- Department of Pharmacology, University College of Medical Sciences & GTB Hospital, Delhi, India
| | - Pramod Kumari Mediratta
- Department of Pharmacology, University College of Medical Sciences & GTB Hospital, Delhi, India
| | - Mohammad Fahim
- Department of Physiology, VP Chest Institute, Delhi, India
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Shi JZ, Kang F, Wu Q, Lu YF, Liu J, Kang YJ. Nephrotoxicity of mercuric chloride, methylmercury and cinnabar-containing Zhu-Sha-An-Shen-Wan in rats. Toxicol Lett 2010; 200:194-200. [PMID: 21126564 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2010.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2010] [Revised: 11/19/2010] [Accepted: 11/22/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Cinnabar (HgS) is used in traditional medicines, and total Hg content is used for risk assessment of cinnabar-containing traditional medicines such as Zhu-Sha-An-Shen-Wan (ZSASW). Is ZSASW or cinnabar toxicologically similar to common mercurials? Adult Sprague-Dawley rats were gavaged with ZSASW (1.4 g/kg), cinnabar (0.2g/kg), HgCl(2) (0.02 g/kg), MeHg (0.001 g/kg), or saline daily for 60 days, and toxicity was determined. Animal body-weight gain was decreased by HgCl(2) and MeHg. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) was increased by MeHg. Histology showed severe kidney injury following MeHg and HgCl(2) treatments, but mild after ZSASW and cinnabar. Renal Hg contents were markedly increased in the HgCl(2) and MeHg groups but were not elevated in the ZSASW and cinnabar groups. The expression of kidney injury molecule-1 was increased 50-fold by MeHg, 4-fold by HgCl(2), but was unaltered by ZSASW and cinnabar; the expression of matrilysin was increased 3-fold by MeHg. In contrast, the expression of N-cadherin was decreased by HgCl(2). Thus, ZSASW and cinnabar are much less nephrotoxic than HgCl(2) and MeHg, indicating that chemical forms of mercury underlie their disposition and toxicity.
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Lu YF, Yan JW, Wu Q, Shi JZ, Liu J, Shi JS. Realgar- and cinnabar-containing an-gong-niu-huang wan (AGNH) is much less acutely toxic than sodium arsenite and mercuric chloride. Chem Biol Interact 2010; 189:134-40. [PMID: 21094152 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2010.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2010] [Revised: 11/12/2010] [Accepted: 11/12/2010] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
An-gong-niu-huang wan (AGNH) is a famous traditional Chinese medicine used for brain trauma, hemorrhage, and coma. AGNH contains 10% realgar (As₄S₄) and 10% cinnabar (HgS). Both As and Hg are well-known for their toxic effects, and the safety of AGNH is of concern. To address this question, the acute toxicity of AGNH, realgar and cinnabar were compared to sodium arsenite (NaAsO₂) and mercuric chloride (HgCl₂). Mice were administrated orally AGNH at 1, 3 and 6g/kg. AGNH at 3g/kg contains 2.8mmol As/kg as realgar and 1.18mmol Hg/kg as cinnabar. Realgar, cinnabar, arsenite (0.28 mmol/kg, 10% of realgar) and HgCl₂ (0.256 mmol/kg, 20% of cinnabar) were orally given to mice for comparison. Blood and tissues were collected 8h later for toxicity evaluation. Serum alanine aminotransferase was increased by arsenite and blood urea nitrogen was increased by HgCl₂. Total As accumulation after arsenite in liver (100-fold) and kidney (13-fold) was much higher than that after realgar. The accumulation of Hg after HgCl₂ in liver was 400-fold higher and kidney 30-fold higher than after cinnabar. Histopathology showed moderate liver and kidney injuries after arsenite and HgCl₂, but injuries were mild or absent after AGNH, realgar, and cinnabar. The expression of metallothionein-1, a biomarker of metal exposure, was increased 4-10-fold by arsenite and HgCl₂, but was unchanged by AGNH, realgar and cinnabar. Thus, AGNH, realgar and cinnabar are much less toxic acutely than arsenite and HgCl₂. The chemical forms of As and Hg are extremely important factors in determining their disposition and toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Fu Lu
- Department of Pharmacology and Key Lab of Basic Pharmacology of Guizhou, Zunyi Medical College, Zunyi, China
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