1
|
Sokan-Adeaga AA, Sokan-Adeaga MA, Sokan-Adeaga ED, Oparaji AN, Edris H, Tella EO, Balogun FA, Aledeh M, Amubieya OE. Environmental toxicants and health adversities: A review on interventions of phytochemicals. J Public Health Res 2023; 12:22799036231181226. [PMID: 37440795 PMCID: PMC10334012 DOI: 10.1177/22799036231181226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxicity arising from environmental contaminants has attracted global interest in the last few decades, due to the high morbidity and mortality associated with them. Efforts have been made to combat the consequential outcomes of environmental toxicity in humans through traditional remediation techniques and therapeutic measures which have been hampered by one or more limitations. Consequently, this scenario has triggered interest in the medicinal properties of phytochemicals. Thus, this review gives a succinct and in-depth elucidation of the various environmental contaminants and their toxicity effects on humans. It delves into the various classes of phytochemicals and their intervention roles. The study adopted a desk review of existing literatures from scientific reports and peer reviewed articles through triangulation of data sources. "Phytochemicals" are group of secondary metabolites obtained from plants with medicinal properties. These groups of compounds are included but not limited to flavonoids, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, cardenoloids, terpenoids, and phytosteroids. This review corroborates the prophylactic and therapeutics efficacy of these phytochemicals as anti-metastatic, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, anti-oxidant, anti-microbial and live saving substances with empirical findings from several laboratory, clinical trials and epidemiologic studies. It conclude that given the wide range of medicinal properties of phytochemicals, there is an urgent need for its full optimization in the pharmaceutical industry and future studies should focus on identifying the bioactive molecules in these compounds and its effectiveness against mixer toxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adewale Allen Sokan-Adeaga
- Department of Environmental Health
Science, Faculty of Public Health, College of Medicine, Lead City University,
Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Micheal Ayodeji Sokan-Adeaga
- Department of Community Health and
Primary Health Care, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University
of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Eniola Deborah Sokan-Adeaga
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of
Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Ladoke Akintola University of
Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomosho, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | | | - Hoseinzadeh Edris
- Incubation and Innovation Center, Saveh
University of Medical Sciences, Saveh, Iran
| | - Esther Oluwabukunola Tella
- Department of Environmental Health
Science, Faculty of Public Health, College of Medicine, Lead City University,
Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Francis Adeniyi Balogun
- Department of Community Health, Faculty
of Public Health, College of Medicine, Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Muhammad Aledeh
- College of Health, Psychology and
Social Care, University of Derby, Derby, United Kingdom
- Wiener Gesundheitsverbund, Psychiatric
Department, Klinik Donaustadt, Vienna, Austria
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ullah A, Mushtaq H, Ali H, Munis MFH, Javed MT, Chaudhary HJ. Diazotrophs-assisted phytoremediation of heavy metals: a novel approach. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 22:2505-2514. [PMID: 25339525 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-014-3699-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2014] [Accepted: 10/06/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Heavy metals, which have severe toxic effects on plants, animals, and human health, are serious pollutants of the modern world. Remediation of heavy metal pollution is utmost necessary. Among different approaches used for such remediation, phytoremediation is an emerging technology. Research is in progress to enhance the efficiency of this plant-based technology. In this regard, the role of rhizospheric and symbiotic microorganisms is important. It was assessed by enumeration of data from the current studies that efficiency of phytoremediation can be enhanced by assisting with diazotrophs. These bacteria are very beneficial because they bring metals to more bioavailable form by the processes of methylation, chelation, leaching, and redox reactions and the production of siderophores. Diazotrophs also posses growth-promoting traits including nitrogen fixation, phosphorous solubilization, phytohormones synthesis, siderophore production, and synthesis of ACC-deaminase which may facilitate plant growth and increase plant biomass, in turn facilitating phytoremediation technology. Thus, the aim of this review is to highlight the potential of diazotrophs in assisting phytoremediation of heavy metals in contaminated soils. The novel current assessment of literature suggests the winning combination of diazotroph with phytoremediation technology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abid Ullah
- Department of Plant Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, 45320, Pakistan
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Shen Z, Zheng S, Dong K, Xiao X, Shi W. Subperitoneal pelvic exposure of elemental mercury from a broken thermometer. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2012; 50:145-8. [DOI: 10.3109/15563650.2012.655282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
|
4
|
Abstract
CASE REPORT A 19-year-old male with an unremarkable medical history presented with his father, who requested an evaluation of a pathology specimen from a reported "lump" under the skin in the middle of the son's lower abdomen. The lump had been excised by a surgeon approximately 3 months prior, per parental request. Upon gross inspection, the specimen appeared to contain small metallic droplets. The patient denied self-injection of any metals, including mercury, despite the results of a 24-hour urine heavy-metal screen (without chelation) that revealed an elevated concentration of mercury (87.6 microg/g creatinine; reference range for nonexposed adults: <4 microg/g creatinine). Confirmatory analysis of the tissue sample included gross and microscopic examination, electron microscopy using secondary and backscattered electron imaging modes, and energy dispersive x-ray spectrum analysis of isolated tissue particles. Grossly, the tissue had small silver spherules suggestive of elemental mercury; these droplets were identified histologically with associated foreign body reaction. Numerous smooth, round-to-oval particles scattered randomly throughout the tissue were identified ultrastructurally, which produced an x-ray energy spectrum corresponding to mercury. DISCUSSION Elemental mercury is liquid at room temperature and may be injected into the body for recreational, psychiatric, and other purposes. Isolated cases of mercury injection following accidents with broken thermometers have been reported, as well as cases of elevated metallothionein concentration following human gingival amalgam tattoos. CONCLUSION In cases of surreptitious injection, histology and ultrastructural evidence may be used to confirm the presence of mercury.
Collapse
|
5
|
Eyer F, Felgenhauer N, Pfab R, Drasch G, Zilker T. Neither DMPS nor DMSA is Effective in Quantitative Elimination of Elemental Mercury After Intentional IV Injection. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2008; 44:395-7. [PMID: 16809143 DOI: 10.1080/15563650600671795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intravenous injection of elemental mercury (Hg) is rare and considered relatively harmless. Treatment recommendations vary and the effectiveness of chelation therapy is controversial. CASE REPORT A 27-year-old man intravenously injected 1.5 mL of elemental Hg. Within 12 hours he became febrile, tachycardic and dyspneic. Physical examination was unremarkable. X-rays showed scattered radiodense deposits in the lung, heart, intestinal wall, liver and kidney. The serum Hg level on admission was 172 microg/L and peaked on day 6 at 274 microg/L. Cumulative renal elimination during a five day oral treatment period with 2,3-dimercaptopropane-1-sulfonate (DMPS) and meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) was 8 mg and 3 mg, respectively. CONCLUSION Although urinary excretion could be enhanced during chelation therapy, Hg deposits in organs resulted in negligible elimination of mercury compared to the exposed dose.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Florian Eyer
- Department of Toxicology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Cercy SP, Wankmuller MM. Cognitive dysfunction associated with elemental mercury ingestion and inhalation: a case study. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; 15:79-91. [PMID: 18443944 DOI: 10.1080/09084280801917889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
A 63-year-old man with a history of alcohol dependence ingested elemental mercury as a suicide gesture. Serial abdominal X-rays showed gradual but incomplete clearance of mercury from the colon. Routine chest X-ray showed evidence of punctate radiopaque materials in the lower lobe of the right lung. Blood and urine mercury levels both exceeded thresholds considered to be associated with cognitive dysfunction. Elicited cognitive deficits were most prominent in processing speed, flexibility, and response inhibition. Semantic fluency, visuospatial processing, and recall memory for visual and low-context verbal material were also affected. The deficits may have been attributable primarily to alcohol abuse. Elemental mercury is not readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract; however, mercury vapor, which was inhaled inadvertently, readily crosses the blood-brain barrier and is neurotoxic. We argue, therefore, that mercury toxicity is more likely than not to have been a factor contributing to the patient's cognitive dysfunction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steven P Cercy
- Mental Health Service, Veterans Affairs New York Harbor Healthcare System, New York Campus, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Caravati EM, Erdman AR, Christianson G, Nelson LS, Woolf AD, Booze LL, Cobaugh DJ, Chyka PA, Scharman EJ, Manoguerra AS, Troutman WG. Elemental mercury exposure: an evidence-based consensus guideline for out-of-hospital management. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2008; 46:1-21. [PMID: 18167033 DOI: 10.1080/15563650701664731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The objective of this guideline is to assist poison center personnel in the out-of-hospital triage and initial management of patients with suspected exposures to elemental mercury. An evidence-based expert consensus process was used to create this guideline. It is based on an assessment of current scientific and clinical information. The panel recognizes that specific patient care decisions may be at variance with this guideline and are the prerogative of the patient and health professionals providing care. The grade of recommendation is in parentheses. RECOMMENDATIONS 1) Patients with exposure due to suspected self-harm, abuse, misuse, or potentially malicious administration should be referred to an emergency department immediately regardless of the exposure reported (Grade D). 2) Patients with symptoms of acute elemental mercury poisoning (e.g., cough, dyspnea, chest pain) should be referred immediately to an emergency department for evaluation regardless of the reported dose. Patients with symptoms of chronic toxicity (rash, tremor, weight loss, etc.) should be referred for healthcare evaluation, the timing and location of which is guided by the severity of illness and circumstances of the exposure (Grade C). 3) If the elemental mercury was recently heated (e.g., from stove top, oven, furnace) in an enclosed area, all people within the exposure area should be evaluated at a healthcare facility due to the high risk of toxicity (Grade C). 4) If the elemental mercury was vacuumed or swept with a broom, the health department should be contacted to perform an environmental assessment for mercury contamination. Consider healthcare referral for those exposed to documented high air mercury concentrations (Grade C). 5) Patients ingesting more mercury than in a household fever thermometer or those with abdominal pain after ingestion should be referred to an emergency department for evaluation (Grade C). Do not induce emesis or administer activated charcoal. 6) Asymptomatic patients with brief, unintentional, low-dose vapor exposures can be observed at home. Asymptomatic patients can be evaluated as non-urgent outpatients if there is concern for exposures to high doses (e.g., more than contained in a thermometer) or for chronic duration (Grade D). 7) Pregnant patients unintentionally exposed to elemental mercury and who are asymptomatic should be evaluated by their obstetrician or primary care provider as an outpatient. Immediate referral to an ED is not required (Grade D). 8) Patients with elemental mercury deposited or injected into soft tissue should be referred for evaluation of surgical removal (Grade C). 9) All elemental mercury spills should be properly cleaned up, including the small amount of mercury from a broken thermometer. Brooms and vacuum cleaners should not be used to clean up elemental mercury. The clean-up of any spill larger than a broken thermometer should be performed by a professional company, state health department, or the EPA. Detailed instructions are provided on the EPA website: www.epa.gov/epaoswer/hazwaste/mercury/faq/spills.htm (Grade D). 10) Patients with dermal exposures should remove all jewelry and wash the affected area with mild soap and water. Remove all contaminated clothing and place these items in a sealed plastic double-bag for proper disposal (Grade D). 11) Do not discard elemental mercury in household trash, plumbing drains, or sewer systems. Consult local authorities for the proper disposal of low-level elemental mercury-contaminated household items and thermometers (Grade D).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E Martin Caravati
- American Association of Poison Control Centers, Washington, District of Columbia, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Abstract
Mercury is a metal that is a liquid at room temperature. Mercury has a long and interesting history deriving from its use in medicine and industry, with the resultant toxicity produced. In high enough doses, all forms of mercury can produce toxicity. The most devastating tragedies related to mercury toxicity in recent history include Minamata Bay and Niagata, Japan in the 1950s, and Iraq in the 1970s. More recent mercury toxicity issues include the extreme toxicity of the dimethylmercury compound noted in 1998, the possible toxicity related to dental amalgams, and the disproved relationship between vaccines and autism related to the presence of the mercury-containing preservative, thimerosal.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jack C Clifton
- Great Lakes Center for Children's Environmental Health, John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County, Chicago, IL, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Abstract
Tympanic membrane thermometry has become increasingly popular for measuring temperature in children. The aim of this review is to ascertain the most appropriate, research-based thermometry method for use with children in acute healthcare settings. The following are considered: Concerns regarding the accuracy of the tympanic membrane thermometer. Whether comparison of the tympanic membrane thermometer with temperature measurement at other body sites is appropriate. How choice of thermometer may be influenced by children's and nurses' preferences, technique, the age of the child, ear size and children with otitis media, perforated eardrums, cerumen (ear wax), ear pain or grommets in-situ. Children's preferences and rectal thermometry in relation to children's rights, which have not been reviewed so far.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paula L Dew
- Children's Hospital at Home (CHAH) Team, George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust, Nuneaton, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Gordon AT. Short‐Term Elemental Mercury Exposures at Three Arizona Schools: Public Health Lessons Learned. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004; 42:179-87. [PMID: 15214623 DOI: 10.1081/clt-120030944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Acute exposure of schoolchildren to elemental mercury continues to produce public health crises that drain available health and environmental resources. In this retrospective study, we report three incidents of limited exposure to elemental mercury in Arizona schoolchildren. Health workers screened 347 students, family, and staff by history and physical exam for exposure level and symptomatology. Urine and blood mercury testing further evaluated at-risk individuals. Environmental contamination was also assessed. Despite up to 28% of patients reporting symptoms, no individual was found to have elevated serum or urinary mercury levels requiring treatment. Elevated airborne mercury levels were demonstrated in the classrooms, dormitories, buses, and student homes and appropriate clean-up measures were instituted. Previous studies of multiple exposures to elemental mercury either focus on significant patient morbidity or lack biological data. In contrast, this study reports biological and environmental data demonstrating no clinical toxicity following acute exposure in a large sample. Confirmatory studies are necessary to develop cost-effective guidelines for the appropriate management of these public health crises.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Assaf T Gordon
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Prasad VL. Subcutaneous injection of mercury: "warding off evil". ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2004; 112:1326-8. [PMID: 15345347 PMCID: PMC1247524 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.6891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Deliberate injection of mercury, especially subcutaneous injection, is rare but is seen in psychiatric patients, individuals who attempt suicide, those who are accidentally injected, and boxers who wish to build muscle bulk. Metallic mercury plays a major role in ethnic folk medicine. Neurologic and renal complications can result from high systemic levels of mercury, and subcutaneous injection usually results in sterile abscesses. Urgent surgical evacuation and close monitoring for neurologic and renal functions as well as chelation (if toxicity is indicated) are key aspects of treatment. Education of the adverse effects and dangers of mercury is important, especially in pregnant women and children. As increased immigration changes demographic patterns, proper disposal of mercury and preventing its sale and use should become urgent societal priorities. Psychiatric consultation should be obtained whenever appropriate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Venkat L Prasad
- Tri County Community Health Center, Dunn, North Carolina 28334, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Romero M, Bargalló X, López-Quiñones MT, Buñesch L, Bianchi L, Brú C. Sonography of a mercury foreign body in the hand. JOURNAL OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE 2004; 23:711-714. [PMID: 15154540 DOI: 10.7863/jum.2004.23.5.711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- María Romero
- Department of Radiology, Hospital Clinic I Provincial de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Abstract
Some toxicologic emergencies require immediate or urgent surgical intervention in addition to routine medical care. The EP must be familiar with the indications for operative care, even though many of these poisonings and exposures are relatively rare. The EP must also be knowledgeable regarding the various means of surgical decontamination that are available, including temporary cardiopulmonary bypass. Finally, a high level of vigilance must be maintained for patients who have delayed presentation and fulminant organ failure necessitating early involvement of the transplantation team.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashok L Jain
- Department of Emergency Medicine, LAC + USC Medical Center, Keck School of Medicine, 1200 N. State Street, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Moxham JP, Lee PK. Broken glass mercury thermometer: a difficult airway foreign body. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2002; 127:339-41. [PMID: 12402014 DOI: 10.1067/mhn.2002.128552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- J Paul Moxham
- Division of Paediatric Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, British Columbia's Children's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
| | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
McFee RB, Caraccio TR. Intravenous mercury injection and ingestion: clinical manifestations and management. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY. CLINICAL TOXICOLOGY 2002; 39:733-8. [PMID: 11778672 DOI: 10.1081/clt-100108515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mercury is a complex toxin with clinical manifestations determined by the chemical form, route, dose, and acuity of the exposure. Parenteral injection of elemental mercury remains uncommon. CASE REPORT A 40-year-old male injected 3 mL of elemental mercury intravenously and ingested 3 mL as a suicide attempt. Within 24 hours, he became dyspneic, febrile, tachycardic, and voiced mild gastrointestinal complaints. Chest X-ray revealed scattered pulmonary infiltrates and embolized mercury bilaterally. A ventilation/perfusion scan demonstrated ventilation/ perfusion deficits. Additionally, his renal function declined, as manifest by minor elevations in blood urea nitrogen and creatinine and decreased urine output. Pulmonary therapy, intravenous hydration, and chelation using 2,3-dimercaptoscuccinic acid (DMSA/Succimer) were started. Over the next 36 hours, the patient's pulmonary and renal functions improved. Temperature and heart rate subsequently normalized, and symptoms at discharge were mild exertional dyspnea. DISCUSSION Liquid mercury injected intravenously embolizes to the pulmonary vasculature and perhaps vessels in other organs such as heart and kidney. In-situ oxidation to inorganic mercury, which is directly toxic to a variety of tissues, may help explain the multisystem involvement. CONCLUSION Significant pulmonary dysfunction accompanied by radiographically demonstrated mercury emboli and temporary abnormalities in several organs improved shortly after initiation of chelation. The impact of chelation on long-term outcome of parenteral mercury exposure remains uncharacterized.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R B McFee
- The Long Island Regional Poison Control Center, Winthrop University Hospital, Mineola, New York 11501, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Ruha AM, Tanen DA, Suchard JR, Curry SC. Combined ingestion and subcutaneous injection of elemental mercury. J Emerg Med 2001; 20:39-42. [PMID: 11165836 DOI: 10.1016/s0736-4679(00)00283-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
A 40-year-old man with a history of schizophrenia and inflammatory soft tissue lesions after self-injection of elemental mercury presented to the Emergency Department. Multiple skin abscesses associated with fever required operative debridement. An incidental finding of oral mercury ingestion was followed clinically and did not result in complications. Exposure to elemental mercury through injection or ingestion is an uncommon event, but one the Emergency Physician may encounter. Subcutaneous mercury injection should be managed with local wound debridement, whereas ingestions are rarely of clinical significance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A M Ruha
- Department of Medical Toxicology, Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona 85006, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|