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Gillespie B, Houghton MJ, Ganio K, McDevitt CA, Bennett D, Dunn A, Raju S, Schroeder A, Hill RA, Cardoso BR. Maternal selenium dietary supplementation alters sociability and reinforcement learning deficits induced by in utero exposure to maternal immune activation in mice. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 116:349-361. [PMID: 38142918 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Maternal immune activation (MIA) during pregnancy increases the risk for the unborn foetus to develop neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia later in life. MIA mouse models recapitulate behavioural and biological phenotypes relevant to both conditions, and are valuable models to test novel treatment approaches. Selenium (Se) has potent anti-inflammatory properties suggesting it may be an effective prophylactic treatment against MIA. The aim of this study was to determine if Se supplementation during pregnancy can prevent adverse effects of MIA on offspring brain and behaviour in a mouse model. Selenium was administered via drinking water (1.5 ppm) to pregnant dams from gestational day (GD) 9 to birth, and MIA was induced at GD17 using polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (poly-I:C, 20 mg/kg via intraperitoneal injection). Foetal placenta and brain cytokine levels were assessed using a Luminex assay and brain elemental nutrients assessed using inductively coupled plasma- mass spectrometry. Adult offspring were behaviourally assessed using a reinforcement learning paradigm, the three-chamber sociability test and the open field test. MIA elevated placental IL-1β and IL-17, and Se supplementation successfully prevented this elevation. MIA caused an increase in foetal brain calcium, which was prevented by Se supplement. MIA caused in offspring a female-specific reduction in sociability, which was recovered by Se, and a male-specific reduction in social memory, which was not recovered by Se. Exposure to poly-I:C or selenium, but not both, reduced performance in the reinforcement learning task. Computational modelling indicated that this was predominantly due to increased exploratory behaviour, rather than reduced rate of learning the location of the food reward. This study demonstrates that while Se may be beneficial in ameliorating sociability deficits caused by MIA, it may have negative effects in other behavioural domains. Caution in the use of Se supplementation during pregnancy is therefore warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan Gillespie
- Department of Psychiatry, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Michael J Houghton
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food, Monash University, Notting Hill, VIC 3168, Australia; Victorian Heart Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Katherine Ganio
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Christopher A McDevitt
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Daniel Bennett
- Department of Psychiatry, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Ariel Dunn
- Department of Psychiatry, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Sharvada Raju
- Department of Psychiatry, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Anna Schroeder
- Department of Psychiatry, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia.
| | - Rachel A Hill
- Department of Psychiatry, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia.
| | - Barbara R Cardoso
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food, Monash University, Notting Hill, VIC 3168, Australia.
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Oguro A, Fujiyama T, Ishihara Y, Kataoka C, Yamamoto M, Eto K, Komohara Y, Imaoka S, Sakuragi T, Tsuji M, Shibata E, Kotake Y, Yamazaki T. Maternal DHA intake in mice increased DHA metabolites in the pup brain and ameliorated MeHg-induced behavioral disorder. J Lipid Res 2023; 64:100458. [PMID: 37838304 PMCID: PMC10656226 DOI: 10.1016/j.jlr.2023.100458] [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] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Although pregnant women's fish consumption is beneficial for the brain development of the fetus due to the DHA in fish, seafood also contains methylmercury (MeHg), which adversely affects fetal brain development. Epidemiological studies suggest that high DHA levels in pregnant women's sera may protect the fetal brain from MeHg-induced neurotoxicity, but the underlying mechanism is unknown. Our earlier study revealed that DHA and its metabolite 19,20-dihydroxydocosapentaenoic acid (19,20-DHDP) produced by cytochrome P450s (P450s) and soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) can suppress MeHg-induced cytotoxicity in mouse primary neuronal cells. In the present study, DHA supplementation to pregnant mice suppressed MeHg-induced impairments of pups' body weight, grip strength, motor function, and short-term memory. DHA supplementation also suppressed MeHg-induced oxidative stress and the decrease in the number of subplate neurons in the cerebral cortex of the pups. DHA supplementation to dams significantly increased the DHA metabolites 19,20-epoxydocosapentaenoic acid (19,20-EDP) and 19,20-DHDP as well as DHA itself in the fetal and infant brains, although the expression levels of P450s and sEH were low in the fetal brain and liver. DHA metabolites were detected in the mouse breast milk and in human umbilical cord blood, indicating the active transfer of DHA metabolites from dams to pups. These results demonstrate that DHA supplementation increased DHA and its metabolites in the mouse pup brain and alleviated the effects of MeHg on fetal brain development. Pregnant women's intake of fish containing high levels of DHA (or DHA supplementation) may help prevent MeHg-induced neurotoxicity in the fetus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ami Oguro
- Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.
| | - Taichi Fujiyama
- Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Ishihara
- Program of Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | | | | | - Komyo Eto
- National Institute for Minamata Disease, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Komohara
- Department of Cell Pathology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Susumu Imaoka
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Kwansei Gakuin University, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Toshihide Sakuragi
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Fukuoka, Japan; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Mayumi Tsuji
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Eiji Shibata
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dokkyo Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Yaichiro Kotake
- Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Takeshi Yamazaki
- Program of Life and Environmental Sciences, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
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Nakamura M, Tatsuta N, Murata K, Nakai K, Iwata T, Otobe T, Sakamoto M, Yamamoto M, Itatani M, Miura Y, Koriyama C. Neurodevelopmental associations of prenatal and postnatal methylmercury exposure among first-grade children in the Kinan region, Japan. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 235:116688. [PMID: 37467938 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
The most severe effects of methylmercury (MeHg) exposure during child development are thought to result from exposure during fetal life and childhood. However, comparing the neurodevelopmental effects of prenatal and postnatal MeHg exposure (PreMeHg and PostMeHg, respectively) remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the associations between neurodevelopmental indicators and PreMeHg or PostMeHg. The participants were 134 children in the first grade of elementary schools aged 7-8 years from the Kinan region, an area with high consumption of MeHg-rich whales and tunas in Japan. We measured MeHg levels in preserved umbilical cord tissues and total mercury (T-Hg) levels in children's hair to estimate PreMeHg and PostMeHg levels, respectively. Neuropsychological (intelligence quotient testing and Boston Naming Test) and neurophysiological (brainstem auditory evoked potential [BAEP], visual evoked potential [VEP], and color vision tests) studies were performed to evaluate the neurodevelopmental status. Multiple regression analyses were conducted according to sex. The geometric mean MeHg levels in preserved umbilical cord tissues and T-Hg levels in children's hair were 0.11 μg/g and 2.94 μg/g, respectively. Neither PreMeHg nor PostMeHg was related to neuropsychological indicators. Some associations between MeHg exposure and neurophysiological results were observed only in boys. N145 latency in VEPs was significantly prolonged with increasing PreMeHg (β: 12.01, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.648, 23.38). The III-V interpeak intervals in BAEP were significantly prolonged with increasing PreMeHg or PostMeHg (β [95% CI]: 0.142 [0.041, 0.243] and 0.159 [0.052, 0.265], respectively). After adjusting for PreMeHg, the association between PostMeHg and BAEP latencies disappeared. In conclusion, the latency in the auditory and visual pathways was significantly prolonged with increasing PreMeHg in boys. These findings suggest that male fetuses may be more susceptible to MeHg exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaaki Nakamura
- Department of Clinical Medicine, National Institute for Minamata Disease, 4058-18 Hama, Minamata City, Kumamoto, 867-0008, Japan.
| | - Nozomi Tatsuta
- Development and Environmental Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai City, Miyagi, 980-8575, Japan.
| | - Katsuyuki Murata
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Hondo, Akita City, Akita, 010-8543, Japan.
| | - Kunihiko Nakai
- Development and Environmental Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai City, Miyagi, 980-8575, Japan.
| | - Toyoto Iwata
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Hondo, Akita City, Akita, 010-8543, Japan.
| | - Takayuki Otobe
- Department of Child Education, Jin-ai University, Echizen City, Fukui, 910-0124, Japan.
| | - Mineshi Sakamoto
- Department of Environment and Public Health, National Institute for Minamata Disease, 4058-18 Hama, Minamata City, Kumamoto, 867-0008, Japan.
| | - Megumi Yamamoto
- Department of Environment and Public Health, National Institute for Minamata Disease, 4058-18 Hama, Minamata City, Kumamoto, 867-0008, Japan.
| | - Mina Itatani
- Department of Clinical Medicine, National Institute for Minamata Disease, 4058-18 Hama, Minamata City, Kumamoto, 867-0008, Japan.
| | - Yoko Miura
- Department of Clinical Medicine, National Institute for Minamata Disease, 4058-18 Hama, Minamata City, Kumamoto, 867-0008, Japan.
| | - Chihaya Koriyama
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 8-35-1 Sakuragaoka, Kagoshima, 890-8544, Japan.
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Dietary Selenomethionine Reduce Mercury Tissue Levels and Modulate Methylmercury Induced Proteomic and Transcriptomic Alterations in Hippocampi of Adolescent BALB/c Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012242. [PMID: 36293098 PMCID: PMC9603801 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) is a well-known environmental contaminant, particularly harmful to the developing brain. The main human dietary exposure to MeHg occurs through seafood consumption. However, seafood also contains several nutrients, including selenium, which has been shown to interact with MeHg and potentially ameliorate its toxicity. The aim of this study was to investigate the combined effects of selenium (as selenomethionine; SeMet) and MeHg on mercury accumulation in tissues and the effects concomitant dietary exposure of these compounds exert on the hippocampal proteome and transcriptome in mice. Adolescent male BALB/c mice were exposed to SeMet and two different doses of MeHg through their diet for 11 weeks. Organs, including the brain, were sampled for mercury analyses. Hippocampi were collected and analyzed using proteomics and transcriptomics followed by multi-omics bioinformatics data analysis. The dietary presence of SeMet reduced the amount of mercury in several organs, including the brain. Proteomic and RNA-seq analyses showed that both protein and RNA expression patterns were inversely regulated in mice receiving SeMet together with MeHg compared to MeHg alone. Several pathways, proteins and RNA transcripts involved in conditions such as immune responses and inflammation, oxidative stress, cell plasticity and Alzheimer’s disease were affected inversely by SeMet and MeHg, indicating that SeMet can ameliorate several toxic effects of MeHg in mice.
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Selenium Attenuates TBHP-Induced Apoptosis of Nucleus Pulposus Cells by Suppressing Mitochondrial Fission through Activating Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-Related Factor 2. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:7531788. [PMID: 35450408 PMCID: PMC9017574 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7531788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration (IDD), the leading cause of low back pain (LBP), remains intractable due to a lack of effective therapeutic strategies. Several lines of studies have documented that nucleus pulposus cell (NPC) death induced by excessive oxidative stress is a crucial contributor to IDD. However, the concrete role and regulation mechanisms have not been fully clarified. Selenium (Se), a vital prosthetic group of antioxidant enzymes, is indispensable for maintaining redox homeostasis and promoting cell survival. However, no light was shed on the role of Se on IDD progression, especially regulation on mitochondrial dynamics and homeostasis. To fill this research gap, the current study focuses on the effects of Se, including sodium selenite (SS) and selenomethionine (Se-Met), on IDD progression and the underlying mechanisms. In vitro, we found that both SS and Se-Met alleviated tert-butyl hydroperoxide- (TBHP-) induced oxidative stress, protected mitochondrial function, and inhibited apoptosis of NPCs. Further experiments indicated that Se suppressed TBHP-induced mitochondrial fission and rescued the imbalance of mitochondrial dynamics. Promoting mitochondrial fission by carbonyl cyanide 4-(trifluoromethoxy) phenylhydrazone (FCCP) partially counteracted the cytoprotective effects of Se. Moreover, blocking nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) with ML385 proved that the effect of Se on regulating mitochondrial dynamics was attributed to the activation of the Nrf2 pathway. In the puncture-induced rat IDD model, a supplement of Se-Met ameliorated degenerative manifestations. Taken together, our results demonstrated that Se suppressed TBHP-induced oxidative stress and mitochondrial fission by activating the Nrf2 pathway, thereby inhibiting the apoptosis of NPCs and ameliorating IDD. Regulation of mitochondrial dynamics by Se may have a potential application value in attenuating the pathological process of IDD.
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Tanaka YK, Usuzawa H, Yoshida M, Kumagai K, Kobayashi K, Matsuyama S, Inoue T, Matsunaga A, Shimura M, Ruiz Encinar J, Costa-Fernández JM, Fukumoto Y, Suzuki N, Ogra Y. Formation Mechanism and Toxicological Significance of Biogenic Mercury Selenide Nanoparticles in Human Hepatoma HepG2 Cells. Chem Res Toxicol 2021; 34:2471-2484. [PMID: 34841876 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.1c00231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
It is widely recognized that the toxicity of mercury (Hg) is attenuated by the simultaneous administration of selenium (Se) compounds in various organisms. In this study, we revealed the mechanisms underlying the antagonistic effect of sodium selenite (Na2SeO3) on inorganic Hg (Hg2+) toxicity in human hepatoma HepG2 cells. Observations by transmission electron microscopy indicated that HgSe (tiemannite) granules of up to 100 nm in diameter were accumulated in lysosomal-like structures in the cells. The HgSe granules were composed of a number of HgSe nanoparticles, each measuring less than 10 nm in diameter. No accumulation of HgSe nanoparticles in lysosomes was observed in the cells exposed to chemically synthesized HgSe nanoparticles. This suggests that intracellular HgSe nanoparticles were biologically generated from Na2SeO3 and Hg2+ ions transported into the cells and were not derived from HgSe nanoparticles formed in the extracellular fluid. Approximately 85% of biogenic HgSe remained in the cells at 72 h post culturing, indicating that biogenic HgSe was hardly excreted from the cells. Moreover, the cytotoxicity of Hg2+ was ameliorated by the simultaneous exposure to Na2SeO3 even before the formation of insoluble HgSe nanoparticles. Our data confirmed for the first time that HepG2 cells can circumvent the toxicity of Hg2+ through the direct interaction of Hg2+ with a reduced form of Se (selenide) to form HgSe nanoparticles via a Hg-Se soluble complex in the cells. Biogenic HgSe nanoparticles are considered the ultimate metabolite in the Hg detoxification process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ki Tanaka
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo, Chiba 260-8675, Japan
| | - Hana Usuzawa
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo, Chiba 260-8675, Japan
| | - Miyu Yoshida
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo, Chiba 260-8675, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Kumagai
- Research Institute for Material and Chemical Measurement, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba Central 5, 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8565, Japan
| | - Keita Kobayashi
- Research Institute for Material and Chemical Measurement, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba Central 5, 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8565, Japan
| | - Satoshi Matsuyama
- Department of Precision Science and Technology, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 1-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Takato Inoue
- Department of Precision Science and Technology, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 1-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Akihiro Matsunaga
- RIKEN SPring-8 Center, 1-1-1 Kouto, Sayo, Hyogo 679-5148, Japan.,Department of Intractable Diseases, Research Institute, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, 1-21-1 Toyama, Shinjuku, Tokyo 162-8655, Japan
| | - Mari Shimura
- RIKEN SPring-8 Center, 1-1-1 Kouto, Sayo, Hyogo 679-5148, Japan.,Department of Intractable Diseases, Research Institute, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, 1-21-1 Toyama, Shinjuku, Tokyo 162-8655, Japan
| | - Jorge Ruiz Encinar
- Department of Physical and Analytical Chemistry, University of Oviedo, Avenida Julian Clavería 8, 33003 Oviedo, Spain
| | - José M Costa-Fernández
- Department of Physical and Analytical Chemistry, University of Oviedo, Avenida Julian Clavería 8, 33003 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Yasunori Fukumoto
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo, Chiba 260-8675, Japan
| | - Noriyuki Suzuki
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo, Chiba 260-8675, Japan
| | - Yasumitsu Ogra
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo, Chiba 260-8675, Japan
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Polmann G, Badia V, Danielski R, Ferreira SRS, Block JM. Non-conventional nuts: An overview of reported composition and bioactivity and new approaches for its consumption and valorization of co-products. FUTURE FOODS 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fufo.2021.100099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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Tu R, Zhang C, Feng L, Wang H, Wang W, Li P. Impact of selenium on cerebellar injury and mRNA expression in offspring of rat exposed to methylmercury. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 223:112584. [PMID: 34365210 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112584] [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: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
During the fetal development stage, the Central Nervous System (CNS) is particularly sensitive to methylmercury (MeHg). However, the mechanism underlying the antagonistic effect of selenium (Se) on MeHg toxicity is still not fully understood. In this study, female rat models with MeHg and Se co-exposure were developed. Pathological changes in the cerebellum and differential mRNA expression profiles in offspring rats were studied. In the MeHg-exposed group, a large number of Purkinje cells showed pathological changes and mitochondria were significantly swollen; co-exposure with Se significantly improved the structure and organization of the cerebellum. In total, 378 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (including 284 up-regulated genes and 94 down-regulated genes) in the cerebellum of the MeHg-exposed group and 210 DEGs (including 84 up-regulated genes and 126 down-regulated genes) in the cerebellum of the MeHg+Se co-exposed group were identified. The genes involved in neurotransmitter synthesis and release and calcium ion balance in the cerebellum were significantly up-regulated in the MeHg-exposed group. These genes in the MeHg+Se co-exposed group were not changed or down-regulated. These findings demonstrate that the neurotoxicity caused by MeHg exposure is related to the up-regulation of multiple genes in the nerve signal transduction and calcium ion signal pathways, which are closely related to impairments in cell apoptosis and learning and memory. Supplementation with Se can mitigate the changes to related genes and protect neurons in the mammalian brain (especially the developing cerebellum) from MeHg toxicity. Se provides a potential intervention strategy for MeHg toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Tu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control/School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China; Division of Infection Management, Guiyang First People's Hospital, Guiyang 550000, China
| | - Chanchan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control/School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Ling Feng
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control/School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Huiqun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control/School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Wenjuan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control/School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China.
| | - Ping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China.
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9
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Lin X, Zhao J, Zhang W, He L, Wang L, Li H, Liu Q, Cui L, Gao Y, Chen C, Li B, Li YF. Towards screening the neurotoxicity of chemicals through feces after exposure to methylmercury or inorganic mercury in rats: A combined study using gut microbiome, metabolomics and metallomics. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 409:124923. [PMID: 33482478 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.124923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is one of the chemicals that bring serious adverse effects to the environment and human beings. Methylmercury (MeHg) is a neurotoxin while inorganic Hg (IHg) is not. Early screening of the neurotoxicity of chemicals may help reduce the occurrence of neurological disorders by minimizing chemical exposure. This work proposed the combined application of gut microbiome, metabolomics and metallomics to differentiate the neurotoxicity between MeHg and IHg in rats. It was found that MeHg caused down-regulated Bacteroides, Firmicutes and Proteobacteria, and up-regulated Actinobacteria and Verrucomicrobia at phylum level, while MeHg caused up-regulated Verrucomicrobiaceae, Desulfovibrionaceae, Helicobacteraceae, Lachnospiraceae and down-regulated Rikenellaceae, Erysipelotrichaceae, Sutterellaceae, Anaeroplasmataceae and Coriobacteriaceae in feces than IHg did at family level; Besides, MeHg brought metabolites change in activation of gut-brain axis pathway than IHg did, such as Glutamate, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), Dopamine (DA) and Tryptophan. These differences between MeHg and IHg were further confirmed by the distribution of Hg in the intestine, as well as the level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the intestine, brain and serum. Therefore, the difference of toxicity between MeHg and IHg can be well distinguished through feces after exposure for only 24 h, which may be used for the screening of neurotoxicity of other chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoying Lin
- CAS-HKU Joint Laboratory of Metallomics on Health and Environment, & CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, & Beijing Metallomics Facility, & National Consortium for Excellence in Metallomics, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Jilin Medical University, Jilin 132013, Jilin, China
| | - Jiating Zhao
- CAS-HKU Joint Laboratory of Metallomics on Health and Environment, & CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, & Beijing Metallomics Facility, & National Consortium for Excellence in Metallomics, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- CAS-HKU Joint Laboratory of Metallomics on Health and Environment, & CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, & Beijing Metallomics Facility, & National Consortium for Excellence in Metallomics, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Lina He
- CAS-HKU Joint Laboratory of Metallomics on Health and Environment, & CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, & Beijing Metallomics Facility, & National Consortium for Excellence in Metallomics, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Liming Wang
- CAS-HKU Joint Laboratory of Metallomics on Health and Environment, & CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, & Beijing Metallomics Facility, & National Consortium for Excellence in Metallomics, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Hong Li
- CAS-HKU Joint Laboratory of Metallomics on Health and Environment, & CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, & Beijing Metallomics Facility, & National Consortium for Excellence in Metallomics, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Quancheng Liu
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian 271018, Shandong, China
| | - Liwei Cui
- CAS-HKU Joint Laboratory of Metallomics on Health and Environment, & CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, & Beijing Metallomics Facility, & National Consortium for Excellence in Metallomics, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yuxi Gao
- CAS-HKU Joint Laboratory of Metallomics on Health and Environment, & CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, & Beijing Metallomics Facility, & National Consortium for Excellence in Metallomics, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Chunying Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, & CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Centre for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100191, China.
| | - Bai Li
- CAS-HKU Joint Laboratory of Metallomics on Health and Environment, & CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, & Beijing Metallomics Facility, & National Consortium for Excellence in Metallomics, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yu-Feng Li
- CAS-HKU Joint Laboratory of Metallomics on Health and Environment, & CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, & Beijing Metallomics Facility, & National Consortium for Excellence in Metallomics, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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10
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Sakamoto M, Haraguchi K, Tatsuta N, Nakai K, Nakamura M, Murata K. Plasma and red blood cells distribution of total mercury, inorganic mercury, and selenium in maternal and cord blood from a group of Japanese women. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 196:110896. [PMID: 33640495 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.110896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Fetuses are a high-risk group for methylmercury (MeHg) exposure. The main objective of this study was to compare the characteristic profiles of total mercury (THg), inorganic mercury (IHg), MeHg, and selenium in plasma and red blood cells (RBCs) between maternal and cord blood at parturition collected from a group of Japanese women. Furthermore, correlations of THg in RBCs, which is a biomarker of MeHg, and THg in plasma, which is an IHg exposure biomarker, were examined in maternal and cord blood. Fifty-five pairs of maternal and cord blood samples obtained at parturition were collected from pregnant women in Fukuoka, Japan. THg in RBCs and plasma were significant correlated between maternal and cord blood. THg in RBCs was 13.9 ng/mL for cord and 9.16 ng/mL for maternal blood, with a cord:maternal RBCs ratio for THg of 1.58, suggesting that MeHg is actively transferred from the mother to the fetus via the placenta. THg in plasma showed a positive correlation with THg in RBCs for maternal and cord blood. This result suggests that measuring THg in plasma can overestimate the exposure level to IHg in fish-eating populations. The percentages of IHg in cord plasma and RBCs were 31% and 1.7%, respectively, and those in maternal plasma and RBCs were 46% and 5.9%, respectively. These results suggest that cord blood is rich in MeHg and can easily transfer to the fetal brain. Selenium in cord plasma was 67 ng/mL and that in maternal plasma was 97 ng/mL, with a cord:maternal plasma ratio for Se of 0.69, suggesting that the protective effects of Se against MeHg toxicity in fetuses may be weaker than those expected in adult mothers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mineshi Sakamoto
- National Institute for Minamata Disease, 4058-18 Hama, Minamata City, Kumamoto, 867-0008, Japan.
| | - Koichi Haraguchi
- National Institute for Minamata Disease, 4058-18 Hama, Minamata City, Kumamoto, 867-0008, Japan
| | - Nozomi Tatsuta
- Development and Environmental Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, 980-8575, Japan
| | - Kunihiko Nakai
- Development and Environmental Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, 980-8575, Japan
| | - Masaaki Nakamura
- National Institute for Minamata Disease, 4058-18 Hama, Minamata City, Kumamoto, 867-0008, Japan
| | - Katsuyuki Murata
- Department of Environment and Public Health, Akita University School Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Hondo, Akita, 010-8543, Japan
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11
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Zhu W, Liu Y, Zhang W, Fan W, Wang S, Gu JH, Sun H, Liu F. Selenomethionine protects hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells against cobalt nanoparticles by stimulating antioxidant actions and DNA repair functions. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13:11705-11726. [PMID: 33875618 PMCID: PMC8109066 DOI: 10.18632/aging.202865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) can differentiate into all blood lineages to maintain hematopoiesis, wound healing, and immune functions. Recently, cobalt-chromium alloy casting implants have been used extensively in total hip replacements; however, cobalt nanoparticles (CoNPs) released from the alloy were toxic to HSCs and HPCs. We aimed to investigate the mechanism underlying the toxic effect of CoNPs on HSCs/HPCs and to determine the protective effect of selenomethionine (SeMet) against CoNPs in vitro and in vivo. Human and rat CD34+ HSCs/HPCs were isolated from cord blood and bone marrow, respectively. CoNPs decreased the viability of CD34+ HSCs/HPCs and increased apoptosis. SeMet attenuated the toxicity of CoNPs by enhancing the antioxidant ability of cells. The protective effect of SeMet was not completely abolished after adding H2O2 to abrogate the improvement of the antioxidant capacity by SeMet. SeMet and CoNPs stimulated ATM/ATR DNA damage response signals and inhibited cell proliferation. Unlike CoNPs, SeMet did not damage the DNA, and cell proliferation recovered after removing SeMet. SeMet inhibited the CoNP-induced upregulation of hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)-1α, thereby disrupting the inhibitory effect of HIF-1α on breast cancer type 1 susceptibility protein (BRCA1). Moreover, SeMet promoted BRCA1-mediated ubiquitination of cyclin B by upregulating UBE2K. Thus, SeMet enhanced cell cycle arrest and DNA repair post-CoNP exposure. Overall, SeMet protected CD34+ HSCs/HPCs against CoNPs by stimulating antioxidant activity and DNA repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenfeng Zhu
- Orthopaedic Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China.,Department of Orthopaedics, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Yancheng, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yake Liu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Weinan Zhang
- Orthopaedic Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Wentao Fan
- Department of Orthopaedics, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Siqi Wang
- Orthopaedic Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jin-Hua Gu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Affiliated Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China.,Department of Orthopaedics, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Yancheng, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Huanjian Sun
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Yancheng, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Fan Liu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
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12
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Lian M, Field CL, van Wijngaarden E, Rios C, Castellini JM, Greig DJ, Rea LD, Coleman DJ, Thomson CE, Gulland FMD, O'Hara TM. Assessment of clinical outcomes associated with mercury concentrations in harbor seal pups (Phoca vitulina richardii) in central California. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 758:143686. [PMID: 33279198 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Monomethyl mercury (MeHg+) from the diet can cause mild to severe neurotoxicosis in fish-eating mammals. Chronic and low-level in utero exposure also can be neurotoxic, as documented in laboratory animal studies and epidemiologic investigations. In free-ranging animals, it is challenging to study low-level exposure related neurotoxicosis, and few studies have investigated the relationship between mercury (Hg) and adverse outcomes in wild populations. Relative to Hg concentrations on admission we evaluated different types of behaviors for 267 Pacific harbor seal (HS; Phoca vitulina richardii) pups at The Marine Mammal Center from 2015 to 2019 during rehabilitation after stranding and maternal separation. Admitted HS pups underwent a clinical exam; including sex and weight determination, and hair (partly lanugo grown in utero) and blood samples were collected for total Hg concentration ([THg]) determination. All pups were monitored weekly (behavior assessments included response to tactile stimulation, movement, swimming, interactions with other seals, hand feeding, and feeding independently), and days in rehabilitation and survival were recorded. There was a significant negative correlation between [THg] and responses to tactile stimulation and movements, measured in both hair and whole blood (p < 0.05). This relationship was found both during the intensive care unit (ICU) stage, and during the pool stage of rehabilitation. Additionally, there was a significant association between greater [THg] and number of days spent in rehabilitation, although there was no relationship between [THg] and survival. There was a significant sex difference, with greater [THg] in female pups, which contrasts with previously published findings in juvenile and adult harbor seals. Our findings support small, but significant associations between gestational THg exposure and clinical effects for tactile sensory response and movement, and longer rehabilitation durations for HS pups, although there was considerable variability among animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne Lian
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Alaska Fairbanks, 2141 Koyokuk Dr, Fairbanks, AK 99775-7750, USA; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Alaska Fairbanks, 900 Yukon Dr Rm. 194, Fairbanks, AK 99775-6160, USA.
| | - Cara L Field
- The Marine Mammal Center, 2000 Bunker Road, Fort Cronkhite, Sausalito, CA 94965, USA
| | - Edwin van Wijngaarden
- University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Carlos Rios
- The Marine Mammal Center, 2000 Bunker Road, Fort Cronkhite, Sausalito, CA 94965, USA
| | - J Margaret Castellini
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Alaska Fairbanks, 2141 Koyokuk Dr, Fairbanks, AK 99775-7750, USA
| | - Denise J Greig
- The Marine Mammal Center, 2000 Bunker Road, Fort Cronkhite, Sausalito, CA 94965, USA
| | - Lorrie D Rea
- Water and Environmental Research Center, Institute of Northern Engineering, University of Alaska Fairbanks, 1764 Tanana Loop, Fairbanks, AK 99775, USA
| | - Denver J Coleman
- The Marine Mammal Center, 2000 Bunker Road, Fort Cronkhite, Sausalito, CA 94965, USA
| | - Christine E Thomson
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Alaska Fairbanks, 2141 Koyokuk Dr, Fairbanks, AK 99775-7750, USA; Animal Referral Hospital Brisbane, Sinnamon Park, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Frances M D Gulland
- The Marine Mammal Center, 2000 Bunker Road, Fort Cronkhite, Sausalito, CA 94965, USA
| | - Todd M O'Hara
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Alaska Fairbanks, 2141 Koyokuk Dr, Fairbanks, AK 99775-7750, USA; Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
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13
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Spiller HA, Hays HL, Casavant MJ. Rethinking treatment of mercury poisoning: the roles of selenium, acetylcysteine, and thiol chelators in the treatment of mercury poisoning: a narrative review. TOXICOLOGY COMMUNICATIONS 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/24734306.2020.1870077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Henry A. Spiller
- Central Ohio Poison Center, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Hannah L. Hays
- Central Ohio Poison Center, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
- Departments of Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Marcel J. Casavant
- Central Ohio Poison Center, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
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14
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Marumoto M, Sakamoto M, Marumoto K, Tsuruta S, Komohara Y. Mercury and Selenium Localization in the Cerebrum, Cerebellum, Liver, and Kidney of a Minamata Disease Case. Acta Histochem Cytochem 2020; 53:147-155. [PMID: 33437101 PMCID: PMC7785461 DOI: 10.1267/ahc.20-00009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Minamata disease is a methylmercury poisoning caused by consumption of marine food contaminated by man-made methylmercury environmental pollution, and its most prominent feature is marked pathological changes in the central nervous system. Morphological alterations are less pronounced in the liver and the kidney, although their mercury levels are higher than those of the brain. In marine mammals, methylmercury is known to be easily converted to inorganic mercury and it combines with selenium forming mercury selenide, which may counteract the toxicity of mercury. However, little is known about the formation of mercury and selenium complex in human organs. In the present study, we examined the cerebrum, cerebellum, liver, and kidney of a Minamata disease case to study the mercury and selenium localization using electron probe microanalysis. Our results indicated the mercury and selenium localization in the specified tissue of the brain, liver, and kidney such as glial cells, Kupffer cells, and renal tubules.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Shozo Tsuruta
- Department of Dental Material Science, School of Dentistry, Aichi Gakuin University
| | - Yoshihiro Komohara
- Department of Cell Pathology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University
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15
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Werder EJ, Engel LS, Curry MD, Sandler DP. Selenium modifies associations between multiple metals and neurologic symptoms in Gulf states residents. Environ Epidemiol 2020; 4:e115. [PMID: 33336134 PMCID: PMC7727467 DOI: 10.1097/ee9.0000000000000115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metals have been shown to have a wide range of neurologic effects across the life course, but most studies consider neurodevelopment or neurodegenerative diseases in older adults. We investigated exposure to metals during adulthood in association with subclinical neurologic endpoints, considering the metals individually and as a mixture, and potential interactions among exposures. METHODS We measured blood levels of cadmium, lead, mercury, manganese, and selenium in 1007 Gulf state residents and estimated cross-sectional associations between ranked levels of blood metals and the presence of self-reported neurologic symptoms. Single pollutant models were mutually adjusted for other metals and we used quantile g-computation to evaluate associations with exposure to the combined mixture. In stratified analyses, we assessed heterogeneity by smoking and blood selenium. RESULTS The highest quartile of cadmium was associated with a higher prevalence of central nervous system symptoms (prevalence ratio [PR] = 1.50; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.13, 1.99), with stronger associations among nonsmokers (PR = 1.63; 95% CI = 1.11, 2.38) and those with low selenium (PR = 2.29, 95% CI = 1.50, 3.49). Selenium also modified associations between lead and peripheral nervous system symptoms, with increased symptoms in the low selenium group at all quartiles of exposure (P-trend = 0.07). Conversely, those with the highest co-exposure to mercury and selenium had reduced neurologic symptoms (PR = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.55, 0.96). Results of the mixture analysis were consistent with single chemical results. CONCLUSIONS Cadmium exhibited the most consistent relationship with increased neurologic symptoms, though lead was an important exposure in subgroup analyses. Selenium may modify subclinical neurotoxic effects of metals at non-occupational levels in adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily J. Werder
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH, DHHS, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Lawrence S. Engel
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH, DHHS, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
- Department of Epidemiology, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | | | - Dale P. Sandler
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH, DHHS, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
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16
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Fujimura M, Usuki F. Methylmercury-Mediated Oxidative Stress and Activation of the Cellular Protective System. Antioxidants (Basel) 2020; 9:antiox9101004. [PMID: 33081221 PMCID: PMC7602710 DOI: 10.3390/antiox9101004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) is a well-known neurotoxicant that causes severe intoxication in humans. In Japan, it is referred to as Minamata disease, which involves two characteristic clinical forms: fetal type and adult type depending on the exposed age. In addition to MeHg burden level, individual susceptibility to MeHg plays a role in the manifestation of MeHg toxicity. Research progress has pointed out the importance of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of MeHg toxicity. MeHg has a high affinity for selenohydryl groups, sulfhydryl groups, and selenides. It has been clarified that such affinity characteristics cause the impairment of antioxidant enzymes and proteins, resulting in the disruption of antioxidant systems. Furthermore, MeHg-induced intracellular selenium deficiency due to the greater affinity of MeHg for selenohydryl groups and selenides leads to failure in the recoding of a UGA codon for selenocysteine and results in the degradation of antioxidant selenoenzyme mRNA by nonsense-mediated mRNA decay. The defect of antioxidant selenoenzyme replenishment exacerbates MeHg-mediated oxidative stress. On the other hand, it has also been revealed that MeHg can directly activate the antioxidant Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway. This review summarizes the incidence of MeHg-mediated oxidative stress from the viewpoint of the individual intracellular redox system interactions and the MeHg-mediated aforementioned intracellular events. In addition, the mechanisms of cellular stress pathways and neuronal cell death triggered by MeHg-mediated oxidative stress and direct interactions of MeHg with reactive residues of proteins are mentioned.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masatake Fujimura
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, National Institute for Minamata Disease, Kumamoto 867-0008, Japan;
| | - Fusako Usuki
- Division of Neuroimmunology, Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-99-275-6246; Fax: +81-99-275-5942
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17
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Fujimura M, Usuki F, Unoki T. Decreased plasma thiol antioxidant capacity precedes neurological signs in a rat methylmercury intoxication model. Food Chem Toxicol 2020; 146:111810. [PMID: 33058990 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2020.111810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The main target organ for MeHg is the nervous system, and its neurological dysfunction remains irreversible. Therefore, predictive biomarkers associated with individual susceptibility to MeHg and future clinical severity are needed to protect against the progression of MeHg toxicity. In this study, we demonstrated that plasma thiol antioxidant capacity (-SHp) is a useful predictive biomarker associated with future clinical severity using MeHg-intoxicated rats administered 1 mg/kg/day for 4 weeks. Blood samples were collected from the subclavian vein of each rat once a week to examine total blood mercury concentrations and the levels of plasma oxidative stress markers. Time course analyses of the correlation between these weekly blood examination values and hind limb crossing signs score after 4 weeks of MeHg exposure were performed, and plasma -SHp levels after 2 weeks of MeHg exposure showed strong correlations with future hind limb crossing sign scores. Neuropathological changes also developed in parallel with hind limb crossing sign scores. Quantitative analysis of vacuolar areas in the spinal cord showed a strong correlation with hind limb crossing sign scores. In conclusion, evaluation of plasma -SHp levels allowed us to detect individuals at risk for health damage and could protect the sensitive population against MeHg toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masatake Fujimura
- Department of Basic Medical Science, National Institute for Minamata Disease, Kumamoto, Japan.
| | - Fusako Usuki
- Division of Neuroimmunology, Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Takamitsu Unoki
- Department of Basic Medical Science, National Institute for Minamata Disease, Kumamoto, Japan
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18
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Sakamoto M, Kakita A, Sakai K, Kameo S, Yamamoto M, Nakamura M. Methylmercury exposure during the vulnerable window of the cerebrum in postnatal developing rats. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 188:109776. [PMID: 32592939 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The developing brain is known to be sensitive to the toxic effects of methylmercury (MeHg). The effects of toxic levels of MeHg exposure during the most seemingly vulnerable window of the cerebrum are not well studied. In this study, we aimed to examine the specific effects of toxic levels of MeHg on neurobehavior, neurodegeneration, and selenoenzyme activity in the cerebrum of infant rats. Male Wistar rats (n = 8/group) were orally treated with MeHg at an acute toxic dose (8 mg Hg/kg/day) for 10 consecutive days starting on postnatal day 14 (P14). The MeHg-exposed rats showed a significant reduction in body weight after day 8 and severe neurological symptoms similar to dystonia on day 12 (P25). Motor coordination deficits determined using the rotarod performance test and short-term memory impairment determined using the Y-maze task were observed in the MeHg-exposed rats on day 11 (P24). The MeHg-exposed rats sacrificed on day 12 showed severe cerebral neuronal degeneration, reactive astrocytosis, and TUNEL-positive apoptotic nuclei, with the cerebral Hg concentration of 15.0 ± 1.6 μg/g. Furthermore, the activities of glutathione peroxidase and thioredoxin reductase in the cerebrum in MeHg-exposed rats were lower than those in control. These results indicate that MeHg exposure to infant rats will be useful to predict the effects of MeHg at the cerebral growth spurt in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Akiyoshi Kakita
- Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Kazuo Sakai
- Japan Institute for the Control of Aging, Nikken SEIL Co., Ltd., Japan
| | - Satomi Kameo
- Department of Public Health, Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma University, Japan; Department of Nutrition, Koshien University, Hyogo, Japan
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19
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Lin X, Zhao J, Zhang W, He L, Wang L, Chang D, Cui L, Gao Y, Li B, Chen C, Li YF. Acute oral methylmercury exposure perturbs the gut microbiome and alters gut-brain axis related metabolites in rats. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2020; 190:110130. [PMID: 31918252 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2019.110130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/22/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Environmental pollutants like methylmercury (MeHg) can bring devastating neurotoxicity to animals and human beings. Gut microbiota has been found to demethylate MeHg and promote the excretion of Hg through feces. However, the impacts of MeHg on gut microbiota and metabolites related to gut-brain interactions were less studied in mammals. The object of this study was to investigate the impacts of acute MeHg exposure on gut microbiome and metabolites together with its impact on gut integrity and related biological responses in rats. Rats were exposed to MeHg through oral administration and were sacrificed after 24 h 16 S rRNA gene sequencing was used to study the perturbance to gut microbiome and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was used for metabolomics profiling. It was found that gut was one of the target tissues of MeHg. MeHg induce the changes of intestinal microbial community structure and induce the regulating neuron activity change of intestinal neurotransmitters and metabolites on intestinal neurotransmitters and metabolites regulating the neuron activity. This was supported by the increased BDNF level. These findings may suggest a potential new mechanism regarding the neurotoxicity of MeHg. The protocols used in this study may also be applied to understand the neurotoxicity of other environmental neurotoxins like Pb, Mn, polychlorinated biphenyls, and pesticides, etc and to screen the neurotoxicity of emerging environmental contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoying Lin
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; CAS-HKU Joint Laboratory of Metallomics on Health and Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; State Environmental Protection Engineering Centre for Mercury Pollution Prevention and Control, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; Beijing Metallomics Facility, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jiating Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; CAS-HKU Joint Laboratory of Metallomics on Health and Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; State Environmental Protection Engineering Centre for Mercury Pollution Prevention and Control, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; Beijing Metallomics Facility, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; CAS-HKU Joint Laboratory of Metallomics on Health and Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; State Environmental Protection Engineering Centre for Mercury Pollution Prevention and Control, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; Beijing Metallomics Facility, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Lina He
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; CAS-HKU Joint Laboratory of Metallomics on Health and Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; State Environmental Protection Engineering Centre for Mercury Pollution Prevention and Control, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; Beijing Metallomics Facility, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Liming Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; CAS-HKU Joint Laboratory of Metallomics on Health and Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; State Environmental Protection Engineering Centre for Mercury Pollution Prevention and Control, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; Beijing Metallomics Facility, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Dunhu Chang
- School of Environment and Natural Resources, Renmin University of China, Beijing, 100872, China.
| | - Liwei Cui
- State Environmental Protection Engineering Centre for Mercury Pollution Prevention and Control, Beijing Advanced Sciences and Innovation Centre, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 101407, China
| | - Yuxi Gao
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; CAS-HKU Joint Laboratory of Metallomics on Health and Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; State Environmental Protection Engineering Centre for Mercury Pollution Prevention and Control, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; Beijing Metallomics Facility, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Bai Li
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; CAS-HKU Joint Laboratory of Metallomics on Health and Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; State Environmental Protection Engineering Centre for Mercury Pollution Prevention and Control, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; Beijing Metallomics Facility, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Chunying Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Centre for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Yu-Feng Li
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; CAS-HKU Joint Laboratory of Metallomics on Health and Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; State Environmental Protection Engineering Centre for Mercury Pollution Prevention and Control, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; Beijing Metallomics Facility, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
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20
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Truzzi C, Illuminati S, Girolametti F, Antonucci M, Scarponi G, Ruschioni S, Riolo P, Annibaldi A. Influence of Feeding Substrates on the Presence of Toxic Metals (Cd, Pb, Ni, As, Hg) in Larvae of Tenebrio molitor: Risk Assessment for Human Consumption. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16234815. [PMID: 31801191 PMCID: PMC6926516 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16234815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Larvae of Tenebrio molitor L. (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) are particularly suitable as novel food for the human consumption; nevertheless, there are some potential safety risks linked with insect consumption. In this study we investigated the presence of Cd, Pb, Ni, As, Hg in new feeding substrates coming from solid residues generated by olive fruits processing, called olive-pomace, and their influence on the metal content in larvae of T. molitor. Morover, bioaccumulation factor and the mercury-selenium balance were evaluated. Analyses were carried out via graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry for Cd, Pb, Ni, As and Se, and via Direct Mercury Analyzer for Hg. All metal concentrations found in feeding substrates were below the legal limit of undesirable substances in animal feed (2002/32/EC). Concentrations in larvae were in the range (mg kg-1 wet weight): Cd 0.008-0.016, Pb 0.063-0.079, Ni 0.03-0.63, As 0.021-0.023, Hg 0.12 × 10-3-0.49 × 10-3, and Se 0.057-0.085. Statistically significant correlation between metal content in feeding substrates and in larvae was evidenced only for Hg, which bioaccumulates. Se protects from mercury toxicity, with a Selenium Health Benefit Value (HVBSe) of > 0. Overall, our results indicate that the risk of exposure to metals from consumption of mealworm larvae is relatively low and in compliance with European Union regulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Truzzi
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell’Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (F.G.); (M.A.); (G.S.); (A.A.)
- Correspondence: (C.T.); (S.I)
| | - Silvia Illuminati
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell’Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (F.G.); (M.A.); (G.S.); (A.A.)
- Correspondence: (C.T.); (S.I)
| | - Federico Girolametti
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell’Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (F.G.); (M.A.); (G.S.); (A.A.)
| | - Matteo Antonucci
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell’Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (F.G.); (M.A.); (G.S.); (A.A.)
| | - Giuseppe Scarponi
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell’Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (F.G.); (M.A.); (G.S.); (A.A.)
| | - Sara Ruschioni
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, Alimentari ed Ambientali, Università Politecnica delle Marche, via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (S.R.); (P.R.)
| | - Paola Riolo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, Alimentari ed Ambientali, Università Politecnica delle Marche, via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (S.R.); (P.R.)
| | - Anna Annibaldi
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell’Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (F.G.); (M.A.); (G.S.); (A.A.)
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21
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Schofield K. An Important Need to Monitor from an Early Age the Neurotoxins in the Blood or by an Equivalent Biomarker. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16183425. [PMID: 31527390 PMCID: PMC6766009 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16183425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Revised: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
An overwhelming amount of evidence now suggests that some people are becoming overloaded with neurotoxins. This is mainly from changes in their living environment and style, coupled with the fact that all people are different and display a broad distribution of genetic susceptibilities. It is important for individuals to know where they lie concerning their ability to either reject or retain toxins. Everyone is contaminated with a certain baseline of toxins that are alien to the body, namely aluminum, arsenic, lead, and mercury. Major societal changes have modified their intake, such as vaccines in enhanced inoculation procedures and the addition of sushi into diets, coupled with the ever-present lead, arsenic, and traces of manganese. It is now apparent that no single toxin is responsible for the current neurological epidemics, but rather a collaborative interaction with possible synergistic components. Selenium, although also a neurotoxin if in an excessive amount, is always present and is generally more present than other toxins. It performs as the body’s natural chelator. However, it is possible that the formation rates of active selenium proteins may become overburdened by other toxins. Every person is different and it now appears imperative that the medical profession establish an individual’s neurotoxicity baseline. Moreover, young women should certainly establish their baselines long before pregnancy in order to identify possible risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith Schofield
- Materials Research Laboratory, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106-5121, USA.
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22
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Ai CE, Li CJ, Tsou MC, Chen JL, Hsi HC, Chien LC. Blood and seminal plasma mercury levels and predatory fish intake in relation to low semen quality. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 26:19425-19433. [PMID: 31077049 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-04592-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Declining human sperm quality has been demonstrated in several recent studies. Age, environmental factors, and nutritional factors can affect semen quality. Mercury (Hg) is considered a male reproductive toxicant. Animal studies indicated that exposure to Hg can cause DNA damage, sperm dysfunction, and decreased sperm motility. Some previous studies also revealed that blood Hg levels in infertile or subfertile males were higher than those in normal males. In this study, we recruited 84 male participants from a reproductive medical center and investigated the Hg, lead, and selenium levels in blood and seminal plasma. Participants were divided into two groups, low- and high-quality semen groups, according to the World Health Organization reference values for human semen characteristics. The distribution of blood reproductive hormones and information on participants' lifestyle and medical history were collected from structured questionnaires. Average Hg levels in blood were 9.3±5.9 versus 8.9±5.9 and in seminal plasma were 1.26±0.61 versus 1.05±0.52 μg/L in the low- and high-quality semen groups, respectively. There was a dose-dependent relationship between blood Hg levels and normal sperm morphology (p=0.02). Participants with predatory fish intake and high blood Hg level had lower sperm with a normal morphology. Therefore, predatory fish intake may be a critical risk factor for elevated Hg levels in males and cause low semen quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chin-En Ai
- School of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing St., Xinyi Dist., Taipei, 110, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Jen Li
- School of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing St., Xinyi Dist., Taipei, 110, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Chien Tsou
- School of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing St., Xinyi Dist., Taipei, 110, Taiwan
| | - Jun-Lin Chen
- School of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing St., Xinyi Dist., Taipei, 110, Taiwan
| | - Hsing-Cheng Hsi
- Graduate Institute of Environmental Engineering, National Taiwan University, 71 Chou-Shan Rd., Taipei, 106, Taiwan.
| | - Ling-Chu Chien
- School of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing St., Xinyi Dist., Taipei, 110, Taiwan.
- Nutrition Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, 250 Wuxing St., Xinyi Dist., Taipei, 110, Taiwan.
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23
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Li H, Lin X, Zhao J, Cui L, Wang L, Gao Y, Li B, Chen C, Li YF. Intestinal Methylation and Demethylation of Mercury. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2019; 102:597-604. [PMID: 30515547 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-018-2512-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a global pollutant, which is linked with different diseases. The methylation of Hg and demethylation of methylmercury (MeHg) in the environment were extensively studied and summarized; however, the transformation of Hg in the intestine is less presented. In this review, the research progress and the perspectives on the intestinal transformation of Hg were discussed. Studies found that MeHg could be formed when exposed to inorganic Hg by the gut microbiota in aquatic organisms, terrestrial invertebrates, and mammals, etc. hgcAB genes could be used as indicators for predicting Hg methylation potential. In vitro studies using fecal specimen, intestinal contents, and the isolated intestinal microbes confirmed the intestinal demethylation of MeHg. The investigation on the effects of Hg exposure to the abundance and diversity of intestinal microbes and their metabolites could shed light on the mechanism of the toxicity of Hg, especially the neurotoxicity of MeHg, which deserves further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Li
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, HKU-IHEP Joint Laboratory on Metallomics, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xiaoying Lin
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, HKU-IHEP Joint Laboratory on Metallomics, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jiating Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, HKU-IHEP Joint Laboratory on Metallomics, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Liwei Cui
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, HKU-IHEP Joint Laboratory on Metallomics, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Liming Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, HKU-IHEP Joint Laboratory on Metallomics, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yuxi Gao
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, HKU-IHEP Joint Laboratory on Metallomics, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Bai Li
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, HKU-IHEP Joint Laboratory on Metallomics, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Chunying Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Yu-Feng Li
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, HKU-IHEP Joint Laboratory on Metallomics, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
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24
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Rahman MM, Hossain KFB, Banik S, Sikder MT, Akter M, Bondad SEC, Rahaman MS, Hosokawa T, Saito T, Kurasaki M. Selenium and zinc protections against metal-(loids)-induced toxicity and disease manifestations: A review. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2019; 168:146-163. [PMID: 30384162 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2018.10.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Revised: 10/12/2018] [Accepted: 10/13/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Metals are ubiquitous in the environment due to huge industrial applications in the form of different chemicals and from extensive mining activities. The frequent exposures to metals and metalloids are crucial for the human health. Trace metals are beneficial for health whereas non-essential metals are dangerous for the health and some are proven etiological factors for diseases including cancers and neurological disorders. The interactions of essential trace metals such as selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn) with non-essential metals viz. lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), and mercury (Hg) in biological system are very critical and complex. A huge number of studies report the protective role of Se and Zn against metal toxicity, both in animal and cellular levels, and also explain the numerous mechanisms involved. However, it has been considered that a tiny dyshomeostasis in the metals/trace metals status in biological system could induce severe deleterious effects that can manifest to numerous diseases. Thus, in this particular review, we have demonstrated the critical protection mechanism/s of Se and Zn against Cd, Pb, As and Hg toxicity in a one by one manner to clarify the up-to-date findings and perspectives. Furthermore, biomolecular consequences are comprehensively presented in light of particular cellular/biomolecular events which are somehow linked to a subsequent disease. The analyzed reports support significant protection potential of Se and Zn, either alone or in combination with other agents, against each of the abovementioned non-essential metals. However, Se and Zn are still not being used as detoxifying agents due to some unexplained reasons. We hypothesized that Se could be a potential candidate for detoxifying As and Hg regardless of their chemical speciations, but requires intensive clinical trials. However, particularly Zn-Hg interaction warrants more investigations both in animal and cellular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Mostafizur Rahman
- Graduate School of Environmental Science, Hokkaido University, 060-0810 Sapporo, Japan; Department of Environmental Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka 1342, Bangladesh
| | | | - Subrata Banik
- Graduate School of Environmental Science, Hokkaido University, 060-0810 Sapporo, Japan
| | - Md Tajuddin Sikder
- Graduate School of Environmental Science, Hokkaido University, 060-0810 Sapporo, Japan; Faculty of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, 060-0812 Sapporo, Japan
| | - Mahmuda Akter
- Graduate School of Environmental Science, Hokkaido University, 060-0810 Sapporo, Japan
| | | | - Md Shiblur Rahaman
- Graduate School of Environmental Science, Hokkaido University, 060-0810 Sapporo, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Hosokawa
- Research Division of Higher Education, Institute for the Advancement of Higher Education, Hokkaido University, 060-0817 Sapporo, Japan
| | - Takeshi Saito
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, 060-0812 Sapporo, Japan
| | - Masaaki Kurasaki
- Graduate School of Environmental Science, Hokkaido University, 060-0810 Sapporo, Japan; Faculty of Environmental Earth Science, Hokkaido University, 060-0810 Sapporo, Japan.
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25
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Sakamoto M, Nakamura M, Murata K. [Mercury as a Global Pollutant and Mercury Exposure Assessment and Health Effects]. Nihon Eiseigaku Zasshi 2018; 73:258-264. [PMID: 30270289 DOI: 10.1265/jjh.73.258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Mercury and its compounds are classified into three main groups: metallic mercury (Hg0), inorganic mercury (Hg2+), and organic mercury (methyl mercury: CH3Hg+, etc.). Metallic mercury is the only metal that is liquid at ambient temperature and normal pressure, which readily forms an amalgam with other metals. Therefore, mercury has long been used for refining various metals, and mercury amalgam has been used for dental treatment. Mercury has also been used in measuring instruments such as thermometers, barometers and blood pressure monitors, as well as electric appliances such as lighting equipment and dry batteries. Large amounts of metallic mercury are still used in other countries as a catalyst in the production of caustic soda by electrolysis. In addition, mercury compounds have been used in various chemicals such as mercurochrome, agricultural chemicals, and mildew-proofing agents. However, the use of mercury has also caused health problems for people. Minamata disease in Japan is a typical example. Also, since mercury is highly volatile, it is discharged as a product of industrial activities or derived from volcanoes, and it has been concluded on the basis of the findings of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) that it is circulating globally. Therefore, with the aim of establishing an internationally legally binding treaty for the regulation of mercury use to reduce risk, an intergovernmental negotiating committee was established in 2009. Japan actively contributed to this negotiation owing to its experience with Minamata disease, which led to the Convention on the regulation of mercury use being discharged as the "Minamata Convention on Mercury" and the treaty came into force on August 16, 2017. In this review, we introduce 1) the Global Mercury Assessment by UNEP; 2) mercury kinetics, exposure assessment and toxicity of different chemical forms; 3) large-scale epidemics of methylmercury poisoning; 4) methylmercury exposure assessment and health survey in whale-eating populations; 5) elemental mercury exposure assessment and health survey of mercury mine workers in China.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Katsuyuki Murata
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine
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26
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Pereira LC, de Paula ES, Pazin M, Carneiro MFH, Grotto D, Barbosa F, Dorta DJ. Niacin prevents mitochondrial oxidative stress caused by sub-chronic exposure to methylmercury. Drug Chem Toxicol 2018; 43:64-70. [PMID: 30192646 DOI: 10.1080/01480545.2018.1497045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Humans and animals can be exposed to different chemical forms of mercury (Hg) in the environment. For example, methylmercury (MeHg)-contaminated fish is part of the basic diet of the riparian population in the Brazilian Amazon Basin, which leads to high total blood and plasma Hg levels in people living therein. Hg induces toxic effects mainly through oxidative stress. Different compounds have been used to prevent the damage caused by MeHg-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS). This study aims to investigate the in vivo effects of sub-chronic exposure to low MeHg levels on the mitochondrial oxidative status and to evaluate the niacin protective effect against MeHg-induced oxidative stress. For this purpose, Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control group, treated with drinking water on a daily basis; group exposed to MeHg at a dose of 100 µg/kg/day; group that received niacin at a dose of 50 mg/kg/day in drinking water, with drinking water being administered by gavage; group that received niacin at a dose of 50 mg/kg/day in drinking water as well as MeHg at a dose of 100 µg/kg/day. After 12 weeks, the rats, which weighed 500-550 g, were sacrificed, and their liver mitochondria were isolated by standard differential centrifugation. Sub-chronic exposure to MeHg (100 µg/kg/day for 12 weeks) led to mitochondrial swelling (p < 0.05) and induced ROS overproduction as determined by increased DFCH oxidation (p < 0.05), increased gluthatione oxidation (p < 0.05), and reduced protein thiol content (p < 0.05). In contrast, niacin supplementation inhibited oxidative stress, which counteracted and minimized the toxic MeHg effects on mitochondria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lílian Cristina Pereira
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil.,Faculdade de Ciências Agronômicas, Departamento de Bioprocessos e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brasil.,Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu, Universidade Estadual Paulista, TOXICAM - Núcleo de Avaliação do Impacto Ambiental sobre a Saúde Humana, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Eloisa Silva de Paula
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Murilo Pazin
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Maria Fernanda Hornos Carneiro
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Denise Grotto
- Laboratório de Pesquisa em Toxicologia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de Sorocaba, Sorocaba, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Fernando Barbosa
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Daniel Junqueira Dorta
- Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Departamento de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil.,Instituto Nacional de Tecnologias Alternativas de Detecção, Avaliação Toxicológica e Remoção de Micropututantes e Radioativos (INCT-DATREM), Unesp, Instituto de Química, Araraquara, São Paulo, Brasil
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27
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Li P, Du B, Chan HM, Feng X, Li B. Mercury bioaccumulation and its toxic effects in rats fed with methylmercury polluted rice. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 633:93-99. [PMID: 29573695 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.03.185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2018] [Revised: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 03/16/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Recent evidence indicated that methylmercury (MeHg) contaminated rice can be a significant source of MeHg human exposure, but the health implications are not known. The objective of this study was to study the kinetics, speciation, and effects of MeHg contaminated rice using a rat model. Five groups of adult Sprague-Dawley rats (n=10 in each group) were fed control rice, low (10ng/g MeHg) and high (25ng/g MeHg) MeHg contaminated rice. Two groups of the positive control were fed control rice spiked with the same levels of MeHgCl. Short-term exposure to low level of spiked MeHgCl stimulated the growth of male rats while long-term exposure to spiked MeHgCl inhibited the growth in female rats. There was no temporal variation of total mercury (THg) concentrations in the rat fecal samples from each group, and the THg concentrations significantly correlated with the inorganic Hg concentrations in the feeding rice. There were significant differences in the accumulation of THg and MeHg among different groups and different organs. THg and MeHg concentrations in the kidney were the highest among the organs examined. The blood and brain had high percentages of THg as MeHg, which indicates that MeHg can easily pass through the blood-brain barrier and has a high affinity for brain tissue. Exposure to rice containing 25ng/g MeHg decreased antioxidant function and damaged the nervous system in rats, but no significant effects were found in the group fed with rice containing 10ng/g MeHg. MeHgCys in rice is less toxic than spiked MeHgCl to rats. The toxicity of MeHg both decided by its concentration and speciation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Buyun Du
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Hing Man Chan
- Centre for Advanced Research in Environmental Genomics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Xinbin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China.
| | - Baixiang Li
- Department of Toxicology, Public Health College, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China.
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28
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Ferrer B, Peres TV, dos Santos AA, Bornhorst J, Morcillo P, Gonçalves CL, Aschner M. Methylmercury Affects the Expression of Hypothalamic Neuropeptides That Control Body Weight in C57BL/6J Mice. Toxicol Sci 2018; 163:557-568. [PMID: 29850906 PMCID: PMC5974793 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfy052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) is an environmental pollutant that affects primarily the central nervous system (CNS), causing neurological alterations. An early symptom of MeHg poisoning is the loss of body weight and appetite. Moreover, the CNS has an important role in controlling energy homeostasis. It is known that in the hypothalamus nutrient and hormonal signals converge to orchestrate control of body weight and food intake. In this study, we investigated if MeHg is able to induce changes in the expression of key hypothalamic neuropeptides that regulate energy homeostasis. Thus, hypothalamic neuronal mouse cell line GT 1-7 was treated with MeHg at different concentrations (0, 0.5, 1, and 5 µM). MeHg induced the expression of the anorexigenic neuropeptide pro-omiomelanocortin (Pomc) and the orexigenic peptide Agouti-related peptide (Agrp) in a concentration-dependent manner, suggesting deregulation of mechanisms that control body weight. To confirm these in vitro observations, 8-week-old C57BL/6J mice (males and females) were exposed to MeHg in drinking water, modeling the most prevalent exposure route to this metal. After 30-day exposure, no changes in body weight were detected. However, MeHg treated males showed a significant decrease in fat depots. Moreover, MeHg affected the expression of hypothalamic neuropeptides that control food intake and body weight in a gender- and dose-dependent manner. Thus, MeHg increases Pomc mRNA only in males in a dose-dependent way, and it does not have effects on the expression of Agrp mRNA. The present study shows, for first time, that MeHg is able to induce changes in hypothalamic neuropeptides that regulate energy homeostasis, favoring an anorexigenic/catabolic profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Ferrer
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461
| | - Tanara Vieira Peres
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461
| | | | - Julia Bornhorst
- Department of Food Chemistry, Institute of Nutritional Science, University of Potsdam, 14558 Nuthetal, Germany
| | - Patricia Morcillo
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461
| | - Cinara Ludvig Gonçalves
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461
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29
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Du B, Zhou J, Zhou J. Selenium status of children in Kashin-Beck disease endemic areas in Shaanxi, China: assessment with mercury. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2018; 40:903-913. [PMID: 29018984 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-017-0033-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2017] [Accepted: 09/30/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The causes of Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) in children are multifactorial, and particular consideration has been given to childhood selenium (Se) deficiency. In this study, dietary intake of Se and mercury (Hg) was determined at KBD areas to investigate the Se status and risks. Therefore, total Hg and Se levels were investigated in scalp hair samples and in daily intake food samples of 150 schoolchildren in Yongshou County of Shaanxi, China. The results showed that the average concentration of Se in children's hair has risen to 302 ng g-1 and significantly increased compared to the data reported decades ago. Children at KBD endemic areas likely have improved Se status due to the Se supplementation in food at recent decades. However, all the children in the study areas still showed lower Se status compared to those in other non-KBD areas of China. The probable daily intake of Se in the study areas was still lower after stopping Se supplementation in food at KBD areas, which is 17.96 μg day-1. Food produced locally cannot satisfy the lowest demand for Se nutrition for local residents. If the interactions of Se-Hg detoxification are considered, Hg intake from food exacerbates Se deficiency at the KBD areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Buyun Du
- Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 210008, China
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jun Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 210008, China.
- National Engineering Research and Technology Center for Red Soil Improvement, Red Soil Ecological Experiment Station, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yingtan, 335211, China.
| | - Jing Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 210008, China.
- National Engineering Research and Technology Center for Red Soil Improvement, Red Soil Ecological Experiment Station, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yingtan, 335211, China.
- Institute of Biology Resource, Jiangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanchang, China.
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30
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Demoliner F, de Britto Policarpi P, Ramos JC, Bascuñan VLAF, Ferrari RA, Jachmanián I, de Francisco de Casas A, Vasconcelos LFL, Block JM. Sapucaia nut (Lecythis pisonis Cambess) and its by-products: A promising and underutilized source of bioactive compounds. Part I: Nutritional composition and lipid profile. Food Res Int 2018; 108:27-34. [PMID: 29735057 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2018.03.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2017] [Revised: 03/05/2018] [Accepted: 03/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The nutritional composition of the sapucaia nut, cake and shell, the nut and cake minerals content and the lipid profile of the nut oil (fatty acids, tocopherols, phytosterols and triacylglycerols) were determined. The nuts and cake exhibited a high content of lipid (47.9 to 60.8 mg 100 g-1), protein (15.8 to 19.5 mg 100 g-1), dietary fiber (16.5 to 22.6 mg 100 g-1) and provided an excellent source of selenium (26.4 to 46.94 μg g-1). The oil contained a high amount of unsaturated fatty acids (39.7 to 45.4% of oleic and 32.2 to 46.6% of linoleic acids) and presented a high Oxidative Stability Index (8.57-12.95 h) indicating the presence of antioxidant compounds in the oil. The major triacylglycerols in the sapucaia oil were LLO, PLO, LOO, POO, OOO, PLL and LLL. The main bioactive lipids identified in the oil were γ-tocopherol (19.2 to 28.5 mg 100 g-1) and β-sitosterol (92.8 to 194 mg 100 g-1). The results showed that the sapucaia nut and its by-products are a promising natural source of bioactive and nutritional compounds and when present in the diet can contribute to the maintenance of human health. In addition, the nut and by-product represents a promising raw material for the food industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Demoliner
- Laboratory of Fats and Oils, Department of Food Science and Technology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Priscila de Britto Policarpi
- Laboratory of Fats and Oils, Department of Food Science and Technology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Juliano Carvalho Ramos
- Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | | | | | - Iván Jachmanián
- Laboratory of Fats and Oils, Department of Food Science and Technology, University of the Republic (UDELAR), Montevideo, Uruguay.
| | - Alicia de Francisco de Casas
- Laboratory of Cereals, Department of Food Science and Technology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | | | - Jane Mara Block
- Laboratory of Fats and Oils, Department of Food Science and Technology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil.
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31
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Sakamoto M, Chan HM, Domingo JL, Koriyama C, Murata K. Placental transfer and levels of mercury, selenium, vitamin E, and docosahexaenoic acid in maternal and umbilical cord blood. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2018; 111:309-315. [PMID: 29150340 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2017.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2017] [Revised: 10/27/2017] [Accepted: 11/02/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) is a neurotoxicant known to affect the developing fetal brain as a sensitive target organ. As most mercury (Hg) in blood is MeHg, total mercury (THg) levels in blood are used to estimate the body burden of MeHg. The nutrients selenium (Se), vitamin E, and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are protective against MeHg toxicity. We compared maternal and cord blood concentrations of biochemical substances, THg and Se, vitamin E, DHA, and other elements, fatty acids, and amino acids in 54 Japanese mother-newborn pairs to elucidate the fetal risk of MeHg toxicity. Cord blood had higher hematocrit and amino acid values and lower concentrations of lipid components, including fatty acids compared with maternal blood. THg levels in cord blood (7.26ng/g) were 1.9 times higher than levels in maternal blood (3.79ng/g). Se concentrations in cord blood (176ng/g) were slightly higher than concentrations in maternal blood (156ng/g). Levels of vitamin E (0.31mg/dL) and DHA (58.8μg/mL) in cord blood were much lower than levels in maternal blood (1.38mg/dL and 147μg/mL, respectively). The ratios of Se/THg, vitamin E/THg, and DHA/THg in cord blood were lower than ratios in maternal blood. These results suggest that fetuses are at higher risk to MeHg toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mineshi Sakamoto
- Environmental Health Section, Department of Environmental Science and Epidemiology, National Institute for Minamata Disease, Minamata, Japan; Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan.
| | - Hing Man Chan
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - José L Domingo
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat "Rovira i Virgili", Reus, Spain
| | - Chihaya Koriyama
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Katsuyuki Murata
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita, Japan
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Schofield K. The Metal Neurotoxins: An Important Role in Current Human Neural Epidemics? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2017; 14:E1511. [PMID: 29206191 PMCID: PMC5750929 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14121511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2017] [Revised: 11/29/2017] [Accepted: 11/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Many published studies have illustrated that several of the present day neurological epidemics (autism, attention deficit disorder, Alzheimer's) cannot be correlated to any single neurotoxicant. However, the present scientific examination of the numerous global blood monitoring databases for adults that include the concentrations of the neurotoxic elements, aluminum (Al), arsenic (As), lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), mercury (Hg), and selenium (Se) clearly indicate that, when considered in combination, for some, the human body may become easily over-burdened. This can be explained by changes in modern lifestyles. Similar data, solely for pregnant women, have been examined confirming this. All these elements are seen to be present in the human body and at not insignificant magnitudes. Currently suggested minimum risk levels (MRL) for humans are discussed and listed together with averages of the reported distributions, together with their spread and maximum values. One observation is that many distributions for pregnant women are not too dissimilar from those of general populations. Women obviously have their individual baseline of neurotoxin values before pregnancy and any efforts to modify this to any significant degree is not yet clearly apparent. For any element, distribution shapes are reasonably similar showing broad distributions with extended tails with numerous outlier values. There are a certain fraction of people that lie well above the MRL values and may be at risk, especially if genetically susceptible. Additionally, synergistic effects between neurotoxins and with other trace metals are now also being reported. It appears prudent for women of child-bearing age to establish their baseline values well before pregnancy. Those at risk then can be better identified. Adequate instrumental testing now is commercially available for this. In addition, directives are necessary for vaccination programs to use only non-neurotoxic adjuvants, especially for young children and all women of child-bearing ages. Additionally, clearer directives concerning fish consumption must now be reappraised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith Schofield
- Materials Research Laboratory, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106-5121, USA.
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Hu XF, Sharin T, Chan HM. Dietary and blood selenium are inversely associated with the prevalence of stroke among Inuit in Canada. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2017; 44:322-330. [PMID: 28965595 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2017.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2017] [Revised: 09/01/2017] [Accepted: 09/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Inuit in Canada have high selenium intake from the consumption of country food such as fish and marine mammals. The health consequence is not known. This study examines the association between blood selenium concentration and prevalence of stroke among Canadian Inuit. The International Polar Year Inuit Health Survey was conducted in 2007-2008. Among the 2077 adults participants (≥18years old) who completed a questionnaire and gave blood samples, 49 stroke cases were reported, 31 of which were from women. The crude prevalence of stroke was 2.4% in the participants. Participants with stroke had lower blood selenium (geometric mean: 260μg/L vs. 319μg/L) and dietary selenium (144μg/day vs. 190μg/day) compared to individuals without stroke. Participants with high blood/dietary selenium exposure (quartiles 3 and 4) had a lower prevalence of stroke compared to those with low selenium exposure (quartile 1). The adjusted odds ratio ranged from 0.09 to 0.25 among subgroups (e.g. age, sex, and blood mercury). An L-shaped relationship between prevalence of stroke with blood and dietary selenium was observed, based on the cubic restricted spline and segmented regression analyses. The estimated turning points of the L-shaped curve for blood selenium and dietary selenium were 450μg/L and 350μg/day, respectively. Below the turning points, it was estimated that each 50-μg/L increase in blood selenium was associated with a 38% reduction in the prevalence of stroke, and each 50-μg/day increase in dietary selenium was associated with a 30% reduction in the prevalence of stroke. In conclusion, blood and dietary selenium are reversely associated with the prevalence of stroke in Inuit, which follows an L-shaped relationship. Whether this relationship applies to other population needs further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Feng Hu
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, K1N 6N5, ON, Canada
| | - Tasnia Sharin
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, K1N 6N5, ON, Canada
| | - Hing Man Chan
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, K1N 6N5, ON, Canada.
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Spiller HA. Rethinking mercury: the role of selenium in the pathophysiology of mercury toxicity. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2017; 56:313-326. [DOI: 10.1080/15563650.2017.1400555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Henry A. Spiller
- Central Ohio Poison Center, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
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35
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Jadán-Piedra C, Chiocchetti GM, Clemente MJ, Vélez D, Devesa V. Dietary compounds as modulators of metals and metalloids toxicity. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2017; 58:2055-2067. [PMID: 28686469 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2017.1302407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
A large part of the population is exposed to metals and metalloids through the diet. Most of the in vivo studies on its toxicokinetics and toxicity are conducted by means of exposure through drinking water or by intragastric or intraperitoneal administration of aqueous standards, and therefore they do not consider the effect of the food matrix on the exposure. Numerous studies show that some components of the diet can modulate the toxicity of these food contaminants, reducing their effect on a systemic level. Part of this protective role may be due to a reduction of intestinal absorption and subsequent tissue accumulation of the toxic element, although it may also be a consequence of their ability to counteract the toxicity directly by their antioxidant and/or anti-inflammatory activity, among other factors. The present review provides a compilation of existing information about the effect that certain components of the diet have on the toxicokinetics and toxicity of the metals and metalloids of greatest toxicological importance that are present in food (arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury), and of their most toxic chemical species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Jadán-Piedra
- a Departamento de Conservaciòn y Calidad de los Alimentos , Instituto de Agroquímica y Tecnología de Alimentos (IATA-CSIC) , Paterna , Valencia , Spain
| | - Gabriela Matuoka Chiocchetti
- a Departamento de Conservaciòn y Calidad de los Alimentos , Instituto de Agroquímica y Tecnología de Alimentos (IATA-CSIC) , Paterna , Valencia , Spain
| | - María Jesús Clemente
- a Departamento de Conservaciòn y Calidad de los Alimentos , Instituto de Agroquímica y Tecnología de Alimentos (IATA-CSIC) , Paterna , Valencia , Spain
| | - Dinoraz Vélez
- a Departamento de Conservaciòn y Calidad de los Alimentos , Instituto de Agroquímica y Tecnología de Alimentos (IATA-CSIC) , Paterna , Valencia , Spain
| | - Vicenta Devesa
- a Departamento de Conservaciòn y Calidad de los Alimentos , Instituto de Agroquímica y Tecnología de Alimentos (IATA-CSIC) , Paterna , Valencia , Spain
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36
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Hu XF, Eccles KM, Chan HM. High selenium exposure lowers the odds ratios for hypertension, stroke, and myocardial infarction associated with mercury exposure among Inuit in Canada. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2017; 102:200-206. [PMID: 28279481 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2017.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2016] [Revised: 02/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/01/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Selenium (Se) has been reported to protect against the neurotoxicity of mercury (Hg). However, the effect of Se against Hg on cardiovascular diseases remains unclear. Inuit living in the Arctic have high exposure to both Se and Hg through their marine mammal and fish rich traditional diet. OBJECTIVE To characterize the co-exposure of Hg and Se among Inuit in Canada and to assess the associations between Hg, Se and cardiovascular health outcomes, including stroke, hypertension, and myocardial infarction (MI). METHODS Data was collected from the International Polar Year Inuit Health Survey (IHS) conducted in 2007 and 2008. Blood Se and Hg were measured, and self-report cardiovascular health outcomes were collected through a questionnaire interview from 2169 adults aged 18 and above. RESULTS The mean age was 42.4years, and 38.7% of the participants were male. The geometric means (GM) of blood Se and total Hg were 319.5μg/L and 7.0μg/L, respectively. The crude prevalence of heart attack, stroke and hypertension were 3.55%, 2.36%, and 24.47% respectively. Participants were categorized into 4 exposure groups according to blood Hg (high: ≥7.8μg/L; low: <7.8μg/L), and Se (high: ≥280μg/L; low: <280μg/L). The odds ratio (OR) of cardiovascular outcomes were estimated using general linearized models. Results showed the low Se and high Hg group had a higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease (OR=1.76 for hypertension, 1.57 for stroke, and 1.26 for MI. However, the prevalence was decreased in both the high Se and low Hg group (OR=0.57 for hypertension, 0.44 for stroke, and 0.27 for MI) and the high Se and high Hg group (OR=1.14 for hypertension, 0.31 for stroke, and 0.80 for MI). CONCLUSIONS The high Se and low Hg group had the lowest prevalence of cardiovascular outcomes, except for stroke. These results provide evidence that Se may exhibit a protective effect against Hg on cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Feng Hu
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Canada
| | | | - Hing Man Chan
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Canada.
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37
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Hoang VAT, Sakamoto M, Yamamoto M. Mercury and selenium levels, and their molar ratios in several species of commercial shrimp in Japan regarding the health risk of methylmercury exposure. J Toxicol Sci 2017; 42:509-517. [DOI: 10.2131/jts.42.509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Van Anh Thi Hoang
- Department of Basic Medical Science, National Institute for Minamata Disease
- Graduate School of Environmental and Symbiotic Science, Prefectural University of Kumamoto
| | - Mineshi Sakamoto
- Department of Environmental Science and Epidemiology, National Institute for Minamata Disease
| | - Megumi Yamamoto
- Department of Basic Medical Science, National Institute for Minamata Disease
- Graduate School of Environmental and Symbiotic Science, Prefectural University of Kumamoto
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38
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Sakamoto M, Itai T, Murata K. [Effects of Prenatal Methylmercury Exposure: From Minamata Disease to Environmental Health Studies]. Nihon Eiseigaku Zasshi 2017; 72:140-148. [PMID: 28931792 DOI: 10.1265/jjh.72.140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Methylmercury, the causative agent of Minamata disease, can easily penetrate the brain, and adult-type Minamata disease patients showed neurological symptoms according to the brain regions where the neurons, mainly in the cerebrum and cerebellum, were damaged. In addition, fetuses are exposed to methylmercury via the placenta from maternal fish consumption, and high-level exposure to methylmercury causes damage to the brains of infants. Typical patients with fetal-type Minamata disease (i.e., serious poisoning caused by in utero exposure to methylmercury) were born during the period of severe methylmercury pollution in 1955-1959, although they showed no abnormality during gestation nor at delivery. However, they showed difficulties in head control, sitting, and walking, and showed disturbances in mental development, these symptoms that are similar to those of cerebral palsy, during the growth periods after birth. The impaired development of fetal-type Minamata disease patients was one of the most tragic and characteristic feature of Minamata disease. In this review, we first summarize 1) the effects of prenatal methylmercury exposure in Minamata disease. Then, we introduce the studies that were conducted mainly by Sakamoto et al. as follows: 2) a retrospective study on temporal and regional variations of methylmercury pollution in Minamata area using preserved umbilical cord methylmercury, 3) decline in male sex ratio observed in Minamata area, 4) characteristics of hand tremor and postural sway in fetal-type Minamata disease patients, 5) methylmercury transfer from mothers to infants during gestation and lactation (the role of placenta), 6) extrapolation studies using rat models on the effects of prenatal methylmercury exposure on the human brain, and 7) risks and benefits of fish consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mineshi Sakamoto
- Department of International Affairs and Environmental Research, National Institute for Minamata Disease
| | - Takaaki Itai
- Department of International Affairs and Environmental Research, National Institute for Minamata Disease
| | - Katsuyuki Murata
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine
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39
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Li P, Li Y, Feng X. Mercury and selenium interactions in human blood in the Wanshan mercury mining area, China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 573:376-381. [PMID: 27572530 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.08.098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2016] [Revised: 08/14/2016] [Accepted: 08/14/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Human blood mercury (Hg), selenium (Se) and other trace element levels were investigated in the Wanshan mercury mining area. Residents living near the mine waste heaps had significantly elevated blood Hg, Se and arsenic (As) levels, which indicates the impact from Hg mining and smelting activities. Rice samples showed high Se levels, as 72.6% of total Se intake comes from rice consumption. The means of the Se:total Hg (THg) and Se:methyl Hg (MeHg) molar ratios were 60.7±27.1 and 110±53.6 respectively. Blood Se:Hg molar ratios were negatively correlated with blood Hg levels. 80.2% of the study population had blood THg levels that exceeded the 5.8μg/L regulation level set by the USEPA, which indicated the risk of Hg exposure. On the other hand, the blood Se levels were within a safe-level range, and dietary Se intake protected local residents who suffered from Hg exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Yufeng Li
- Multidiscipline Initiative Center and CAS Key Laboratory of Nuclear Analytical Techniques, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xinbin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China.
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40
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Ser PH, Omi S, Shimizu-Furusawa H, Yasutake A, Sakamoto M, Hachiya N, Konishi S, Nakamura M, Watanabe C. Differences in the responses of three plasma selenium-containing proteins in relation to methylmercury-exposure through consumption of fish/whales. Toxicol Lett 2016; 267:53-58. [PMID: 27989593 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2016.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2016] [Revised: 11/18/2016] [Accepted: 12/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Putative protective effects of selenium (Se) against methylmercury (MeHg) toxicity have been examined but no conclusion has been reached. We recently reported the lack of serious neurological symptoms in a Japanese fish-eating population with high intakes of MeHg and suggested a potential protective role for Se. Here, relationships between levels of Hg and Se in the blood and plasma samples, with a quantitative evaluation of Se-containing proteins, obtained from this population were examined. While levels of the whole-blood Hg (WB-Hg) and plasma Se (P-Se) showed a positive correlation, stratified analysis revealed that they correlated only in samples with higher (greater than the median) levels of MeHg. A food frequency questionnaire showed that consumption of fish/whales correlated with WB-Hg, but not with P-Se, suggesting that the positive correlation between WB-Hg and P-Se might not be the result of co-intake of these elements from seafood. Speciation of plasma Se revealed the differences in the responses of two plasma selenoproteins, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and selenoprotein P (SePP), in relation to Hg exposure. In the high-Hg group, SePP showed a positive correlation with WB-Hg, but GPx did not. In the low-Hg group, neither SePP nor GPx showed any correlation with WB-Hg. These observations suggest that the increase in P-Se in the high-Hg group might be associated with an increase in SePP, which may, in turn, suggest an increased demand for one or more selenoproteins in various organs, for which SePP supplies the element.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Han Ser
- Department of Human Ecology, School of International Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Hongo 7-3-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Sanae Omi
- Department of Human Ecology, School of International Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Hongo 7-3-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Hana Shimizu-Furusawa
- Department of Human Ecology, School of International Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Hongo 7-3-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Akira Yasutake
- National Institute for Minamata Disease, Hama, Minamata City, Kumamoto Prefecture, 867-0008, Japan
| | - Mineshi Sakamoto
- National Institute for Minamata Disease, Hama, Minamata City, Kumamoto Prefecture, 867-0008, Japan
| | - Noriyuki Hachiya
- National Institute for Minamata Disease, Hama, Minamata City, Kumamoto Prefecture, 867-0008, Japan
| | - Shoko Konishi
- Department of Human Ecology, School of International Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Hongo 7-3-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan; Department of Anthropology, University of Washington, Box 353100, Seattle WA98195-3100, USA
| | - Masaaki Nakamura
- National Institute for Minamata Disease, Hama, Minamata City, Kumamoto Prefecture, 867-0008, Japan
| | - Chiho Watanabe
- Department of Human Ecology, School of International Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Hongo 7-3-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan.
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41
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Karita K, Sakamoto M, Yoshida M, Tatsuta N, Nakai K, Iwai-Shimada M, Iwata T, Maeda E, Yaginuma-Sakurai K, Satoh H, Murata K. [Recent Epidemiological Studies on Methylmercury, Mercury and Selenium]. Nihon Eiseigaku Zasshi 2016; 71:236-251. [PMID: 27725427 DOI: 10.1265/jjh.71.236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
More than sixty years has passed since the outbreak of Minamata disease, and high-level methylmercury contaminations now seem nonexistent in Japan. However, mercury has been continuously discharged from natural sources and industrial activities, and the health effects on children susceptible to methylmercury exposure at low levels, in addition to mercury contamination from mercury or gold mining areas in developing countries, become a worldwide concern. In this article, we provide a recent overview of epidemiological studies regarding methylmercury and mercury. The following findings were obtained. (1) Many papers on exposure assessment of methylmercury/mercury have been published since the Minamata Convention on Mercury was adopted in 2013. (2) The most crucial problem is child developmental neurotoxicity resulting from prenatal exposure to methylmercury, but its precise assessment seems to be difficult because most of such effects are neither severe nor specific. (3) Several problems raised in birth cohort studies (e.g., whether IQ deficits due to prenatal methylmercury exposure remain when the children become adults, or whether the postnatal exposure at low levels also causes such adverse effects in children) remain unsolved. (4) Concurrent exposure models of methylmercury, lead, polychlorinated biphenyls, aresenic, and organochlorine pesticides, as well as possible antagonists such as polyunsaturated fatty acids and selenium, should be considered in the study design because the exposure levels of methylmercury are extremely low in developed countries. (5) Further animal experiments and molecular biological studies, in addition to human studies, are required to clarify the mechanism of methylmercury toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanae Karita
- Department of Hygiene and Public Health, Kyorin University School of Medicine
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Matsukawa T, Hasegawa H, Goto H, Shinohara Y, Shinohara A, Omori Y, Ichida K, Yokoyama K. Evaluation of the metabolic chiral inversion of d-selenomethionine in rats by stable isotope dilution gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2015; 116:59-64. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2015.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2015] [Revised: 03/19/2015] [Accepted: 04/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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García-Alvarez N, Fernández A, Boada LD, Zumbado M, Zaccaroni A, Arbelo M, Sierra E, Almunia J, Luzardo OP. Mercury and selenium status of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus): A study in stranded animals on the Canary Islands. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2015; 536:489-498. [PMID: 26232758 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.07.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2015] [Revised: 07/07/2015] [Accepted: 07/07/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The mercury (Hg) level in the marine environment has tripled in recent decades, becoming a great concern because of its high toxic potential. This study reports Hg and selenium (Se) status, and the first Se/Hg molar ratio assessment in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) inhabiting the waters of the Canary Islands. Total Hg and Se concentrations were determined in the blubber and liver collected from 30 specimens stranded along the coasts of the archipelago from 1997 to 2013. The median values for total Hg in the blubber and liver were 80.83 and 223.77 μg g(-1) dry weight (dw), and the median levels for Se in both tissues were 7.29 and 68.63 μg g(-1) dw, respectively. Hg concentrations in the liver were lower than 100 μg g(-1) wet weight (ww), comparable to those obtained in bottlenose dolphins from the North Sea, the Western Atlantic Ocean and several locations in the Pacific Ocean. The Mediterranean Sea and South of Australia are the most contaminated areas for both elements in this cetacean species. In addition, it must be stressed that the levels of Hg and Se in the liver showed an increasing trend with the age of the animals. As expected, a strong positive correlation between Hg and Se was observed (rs=0.960). Surprisingly, both younger and older specimens had a Se/Hg molar ratio different from 1, suggesting that these individuals may be at greater toxicological risk for high concentrations of both elements or a deficiency of Se without a protective action against Hg toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia García-Alvarez
- Unit of Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35413 Arucas, Las Palmas, Spain.
| | - Antonio Fernández
- Unit of Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35413 Arucas, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Luis D Boada
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Manuel Zumbado
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Annalisa Zaccaroni
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Research Group on Large Pelagic Vertebrates, Viale Vespucci 2, 47042 Cesenatico, FC, Italy
| | - Manuel Arbelo
- Unit of Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35413 Arucas, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Eva Sierra
- Unit of Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35413 Arucas, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Javier Almunia
- Loro Parque Foundation, Camino Burgado, 38400 Puerto de la Cruz (Tenerife), Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - Octavio P Luzardo
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
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Sakamoto M, Itai T, Yasutake A, Iwasaki T, Yasunaga G, Fujise Y, Nakamura M, Murata K, Chan HM, Domingo JL, Marumoto M. Mercury speciation and selenium in toothed-whale muscles. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2015; 143:55-61. [PMID: 26436307 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2015.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2015] [Revised: 09/07/2015] [Accepted: 09/09/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Mercury accumulates at high levels in marine mammal tissues. However, its speciation is poorly understood. The main goal of this investigation was to establish the relationships among mercury species and selenium (Se) concentrations in toothed-whale muscles at different mercury levels. The concentrations of total mercury (T-Hg), methylmercury (MeHg), inorganic mercury (I-Hg) and Se were determined in the muscles of four toothed-whale species: bottlenose dolphins (n=31), Risso's dolphins (n=30), striped dolphins (n=29), and short-finned pilot whales (n=30). In each species, the MeHg concentration increased with increasing T-Hg concentration, tending to reach a plateau. In contrast, the proportion of MeHg in T-Hg decreased from 90-100% to 20-40%. The levels of T-Hg and Se showed strong positive correlations. Se/I-Hg molar ratios rapidly decreased with the increase of I-Hg and reached almost 1 in all species. These results suggested that the demethylated MeHg immediately formed Se/I-Hg equimolar complex of mercury selenide (HgSe) in their muscles. In addition, an X-ray absorption fine structure analysis (XAFS) of a bottlenose dolphin muscle confirmed that the dominant chemical form of the Se/I-Hg equimolar complex was HgSe. HgSe was mainly localized in cells near the endomysium using electron probe microanalysis (EPMA). These results suggested that the demethylated MeHg finally deposits within muscle cells of bottlenose dolphin as an inert HgSe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mineshi Sakamoto
- National Institute for Minamata Disease, Hama 4058-18, Minamata, Kumamoto 867-0008, Japan.
| | - Takaaki Itai
- Ehime University, Bunkyo 2-5, Matsuyama 790-8755, Japan
| | - Akira Yasutake
- National Institute for Minamata Disease, Hama 4058-18, Minamata, Kumamoto 867-0008, Japan
| | - Toshihide Iwasaki
- Tohoku National Fisheries Research Institute, 25-259 Shimomekurakubo, Aomori 031-0841, Japan
| | - Genta Yasunaga
- Institute of Cetacean Research, 4-5 Toyomi, Tokyo 104-0055, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Fujise
- Institute of Cetacean Research, 4-5 Toyomi, Tokyo 104-0055, Japan
| | - Masaaki Nakamura
- National Institute for Minamata Disease, Hama 4058-18, Minamata, Kumamoto 867-0008, Japan
| | - Katsuyuki Murata
- Akita University School of Medicine, Hondo 1-1-1, Akita 010-8543, Japan
| | - Hing Man Chan
- University of Ottawa, Marie-Curie, Ottawa, ON, Canada KIN 6N5
| | - José L Domingo
- School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat "Rovira i Virgili", Reus, Spain
| | - Masumi Marumoto
- National Institute for Minamata Disease, Hama 4058-18, Minamata, Kumamoto 867-0008, Japan
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Solovyev ND. Importance of selenium and selenoprotein for brain function: From antioxidant protection to neuronal signalling. J Inorg Biochem 2015; 153:1-12. [PMID: 26398431 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2015.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2015] [Revised: 09/03/2015] [Accepted: 09/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Multiple biological functions of selenium manifest themselves mainly via 25 selenoproteins that have selenocysteine at their active centre. Selenium is vital for the brain and seems to participate in the pathology of disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and epilepsy. Since selenium was shown to be involved in diverse functions of the central nervous system, such as motor performance, coordination, memory and cognition, a possible role of selenium and selenoproteins in brain signalling pathways may be assumed. The aim of the present review is to analyse possible relations between selenium and neurotransmission. Selenoproteins seem to be of special importance in the development and functioning of GABAergic (GABA, γ-aminobutyric acid) parvalbumin positive interneurons of the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. Dopamine pathway might be also selenium dependent as selenium shows neuroprotection in the nigrostriatal pathway and also exerts toxicity towards dopaminergic neurons under higher concentrations. Recent findings also point to acetylcholine neurotransmission involvement. The role of selenium and selenoproteins in neurotransmission might not only be limited to their antioxidant properties but also to inflammation, influencing protein phosphorylation and ion channels, alteration of calcium homeostasis and brain cholesterol metabolism. Moreover, a direct signalling function was proposed for selenoprotein P through interaction with post-synaptic apoliprotein E receptors 2 (ApoER2).
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolay D Solovyev
- Institute of Chemistry, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg 198504, Russian Federation.
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Decreased plasma thiol antioxidant barrier and selenoproteins as potential biomarkers for ongoing methylmercury intoxication and an individual protective capacity. Arch Toxicol 2015; 90:917-26. [DOI: 10.1007/s00204-015-1528-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2015] [Accepted: 05/05/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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MacDonald TC, Korbas M, James AK, Sylvain NJ, Hackett MJ, Nehzati S, Krone PH, George GN, Pickering IJ. Interaction of mercury and selenium in the larval stage zebrafish vertebrate model. Metallomics 2015; 7:1247-55. [DOI: 10.1039/c5mt00145e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Mercury, selenium mixed chalcogenide in the larval stage zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracy C. MacDonald
- Molecular and Environmental Science Research Group
- Department of Geological Sciences
- University of Saskatchewan
- Saskatoon, Canada
- Toxicology Centre
| | - Malgorzata Korbas
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology
- University of Saskatchewan
- Saskatoon, Canada
- Canadian Light Source
- Saskatoon, Canada
| | - Ashley K. James
- Molecular and Environmental Science Research Group
- Department of Geological Sciences
- University of Saskatchewan
- Saskatoon, Canada
- Toxicology Centre
| | - Nicole J. Sylvain
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology
- University of Saskatchewan
- Saskatoon, Canada
| | - Mark J. Hackett
- Molecular and Environmental Science Research Group
- Department of Geological Sciences
- University of Saskatchewan
- Saskatoon, Canada
| | - Susan Nehzati
- Molecular and Environmental Science Research Group
- Department of Geological Sciences
- University of Saskatchewan
- Saskatoon, Canada
| | - Patrick H. Krone
- Toxicology Centre
- University of Saskatchewan
- Saskatoon, Canada
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology
- University of Saskatchewan
| | - Graham N. George
- Molecular and Environmental Science Research Group
- Department of Geological Sciences
- University of Saskatchewan
- Saskatoon, Canada
- Toxicology Centre
| | - Ingrid J. Pickering
- Molecular and Environmental Science Research Group
- Department of Geological Sciences
- University of Saskatchewan
- Saskatoon, Canada
- Toxicology Centre
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48
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Huang SSY, Hung SSO, Chan HM. Maintaining tissue selenium species distribution as a potential defense mechanism against methylmercury toxicity in juvenile white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus). AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2014; 156:88-95. [PMID: 25170596 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2014.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2014] [Revised: 08/06/2014] [Accepted: 08/10/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Selenium (Se) has been shown to antagonize mercury (Hg) toxicity. We have previously demonstrated that orally intubated selenomethionine (SeMet) and methylmercury (MeHg) reduced tissue Se accumulation, as well as blood and kidney Hg concentrations in juvenile white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus). However, the form of Se accumulated is not known. In this study, three organoseleniums: selenocysteine (Sec), Se-methyl-selenocysteine (MSeCys), and SeMet and two inorganic Se species: selenate and selenite were determined and quantified in the blood at different post-intubation periods (12, 24, 48h) and in the muscle, liver, and kidneys at 48h in white sturgeon orally intubated with a single dose of control (carrier), SeMet (500μg Se/kg body weight; BW), MeHg (850μg Hg/kg BW), and both (Se+Hg; at 500μg Se/kg and 850μg Hg/kg BW). When only SeMet was intubated, the accumulative/unmodified pathway took precedent in the blood, white muscle, liver, and kidneys. In the presence of MeHg, however, active metabolic transformation and de novo synthesis of biologically active Se forms are seen in the liver and kidneys, as indicated by a gradual increase in blood Sec:SeMet ratios and Se metabolites. In the white muscle, mobilization of endogenous Se storage by MeHg is supported by the absence of tissue SeMet and detectable levels of blood SeMet. In contrast, co-intubation with SeMet increased muscle SeMet. The high levels of unknown Se metabolites and detectable levels of selenite in the kidney reflect its role as the major excretory organ for Se. Selenium metabolism is highly regulated in the kidneys, as Se speciation was not affected by MeHg or by its co-intubation with SeMet. In the Se+Hg group, the proportion of SeMet in the liver has decreased to nearly 1/8th of that of the SeMet only group, resulting in a more similar selenocompound distribution profile to that of the MeHg only group. This is likely due to the increased need for Se metabolites necessary for MeHg demethylation in the liver. Our study demonstrated that in the presence of MeHg, regulating tissue Se speciation, hence, Se bioavailability, is more an important strategy than maintaining total Se levels in major organs of juvenile white sturgeon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susie Shih-Yin Huang
- Centre for Advanced Research in Environmental Genomics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1N 6N5
| | - Silas S O Hung
- Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Hing Man Chan
- Centre for Advanced Research in Environmental Genomics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1N 6N5.
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49
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Dietary selenium protect against redox-mediated immune suppression induced by methylmercury exposure. Food Chem Toxicol 2014; 72:169-77. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2014.07.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2014] [Revised: 06/20/2014] [Accepted: 07/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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50
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Nakamura M, Hachiya N, Murata KY, Nakanishi I, Kondo T, Yasutake A, Miyamoto KI, Ser PH, Omi S, Furusawa H, Watanabe C, Usuki F, Sakamoto M. Methylmercury exposure and neurological outcomes in Taiji residents accustomed to consuming whale meat. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2014; 68:25-32. [PMID: 24685489 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2014.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2013] [Revised: 02/28/2014] [Accepted: 03/06/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) is a major environmental neurotoxicant that causes damage to the central nervous system. In Japan, industrial emission of MeHg has resulted in MeHg intoxication in Minamata and Niigata, the so-called Minamata disease. Humans are exposed to MeHg derived from natural sources, primarily fish and fish predators. Therefore, MeHg continues to be an environmental risk to human health, particularly in susceptible populations that frequently consume substantial amounts of fish or fish predators such as whale. This study aimed to investigate the health effects of MeHg exposure in adults. The subjects were 194 residents (117 males, 77 females; age 20-85 years) who resided in the coastal town of Taiji, the birthplace of traditional whaling in Japan. We analyzed hair for mercury content and performed detailed neurological examinations and dietary surveys. Audiometry, magnetic resonance imaging, and electromyography were performed to diagnose neurological defects. Whole blood mercury and selenium (Se) levels were measured in 23 subjects. The geometric mean of the hair mercury levels was 14.9 μg/g. Twelve subjects revealed hair mercury levels >50 μg/g (NOAEL) set by WHO. Hair mercury levels significantly correlated with daily whale meat intake. These results suggested that residents in Taiji were highly exposed to MeHg by ingesting MeHg-contaminated whale meat. Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated no significant correlations between hair mercury levels and neurological outcomes, whereas some of the findings significantly correlated with age. A significantly positive correlation between whole blood mercury and Se levels was observed and the whole blood mercury/Se molar ratios of all subjects were <1. These findings suggested that sufficient Se intake might be one of causes of the absence of adverse effects of MeHg exposure in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaaki Nakamura
- Department of Clinical Medicine, National Institute for Minamata Disease, Minamata, Japan.
| | - Noriyuki Hachiya
- Department of International Affairs and Environmental Sciences, National Institute for Minamata Disease, Minamata, Japan
| | - Ken-ya Murata
- Department of Neurology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Ichiro Nakanishi
- Department of Neurology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Tomoyoshi Kondo
- Department of Neurology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Akira Yasutake
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, National Institute for Minamata Disease, Minamata, Japan
| | - Ken-ichiro Miyamoto
- Department of Clinical Medicine, National Institute for Minamata Disease, Minamata, Japan
| | - Ping Han Ser
- Department of Human Ecology, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sanae Omi
- Department of Human Ecology, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hana Furusawa
- Department of Human Ecology, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Chiho Watanabe
- Department of Human Ecology, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Fusako Usuki
- Department of Clinical Medicine, National Institute for Minamata Disease, Minamata, Japan
| | - Mineshi Sakamoto
- Department of International Affairs and Environmental Sciences, National Institute for Minamata Disease, Minamata, Japan
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