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Chowdhury R, Talukder B, Basta PC, Olivero-Verbel J, Polson-Edwards K, Galvao L, Espinal C. Saving the Amazon in South America by a regional approach on climate change: the need to consider the health perspective. Lancet Glob Health 2024; 12:e913-e915. [PMID: 38640936 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(24)00125-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Rajiv Chowdhury
- Department of Global Health, Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA.
| | - Byomkesh Talukder
- Department of Global Health, Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - Paulo Cesar Basta
- National School of Public Health, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Brazilian Ministry of Health, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Jesus Olivero-Verbel
- Environmental and Computational Chemistry Group, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Cartagena, Cartagena, Colombia
| | - Karen Polson-Edwards
- Department of Social and Environmental Determinants of Health Equity, Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), Washington, DC, USA
| | - Luiz Galvao
- Fiocruz's Global Health Centre CRIS/FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Carlos Espinal
- Department of Global Health, Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
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de Lacerda LD, de Almeida R, Bastos WR. A 35-Year Record (1987-2022) of Hg Concentrations in Two of the Fish Species Most Consumed by People Living in the Upper Madeira River Basin, Brazilian Amazon Region. TOXICS 2024; 12:144. [PMID: 38393239 PMCID: PMC10892673 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12020144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
This study presents a 35-year record of total mercury (Hg) concentrations in the detritivore fish Prochilodus nigricans (Curimatã) and the carnivore Cichla pleiozona (Tucunaré), two of the most widely distributed, ecologically important and consumed fish species in the upper Madeira River Basin in the Western Brazilian Amazon. Fish samples from the major Madeira River and marginal lakes and tributaries were compared. Irrespective of site, Hg concentrations were higher in the carnivore fish compared to the detritivore. Hg concentrations increased 5-fold in C. pleiozona in the past three decades, whereas they remained relatively constant in P. nigricans when analyzing the entire 35-year period. When analyzed separately, fish in the main river and marginal lake and tributaries presented the same pattern of Hg variation, with a significant increase in Hg concentrations in the carnivore and in the detritivore in marginal lakes and tributaries but not in the main river. This was in line with the increase in methyl-Hg production in tributaries, mostly associated with deforestation in the past decade in the basin. Although an increase in direct emissions from artisanal gold mining also occurred in the past decade, this caused virtually no impact on fish Hg concentrations, suggesting atmospheric emission and deposition in forests and further export to water systems as an intermediate link with fish Hg concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiz Drude de Lacerda
- Laboratório de Biogeoquímica Costeira, Instituto de Ciências do Mar (LBC-LABOMAR), Universidade Federal do Ceará, Av. da Abolição, 3207 Meireles, Fortaleza 60165-081, CE, Brazil
| | - Ronaldo de Almeida
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Desenvolvimento Regional e Meio Ambiente, Laboratório de Biogeoquímica Ambiental Wolfgang C. Pfeiffer, Universidade Federal de Rondônia, Av. Pres. Dutra, 2967 Olaria, Porto Velho 76801-059, RO, Brazil; (R.d.A.); (W.R.B.)
| | - Wanderley Rodrigues Bastos
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Desenvolvimento Regional e Meio Ambiente, Laboratório de Biogeoquímica Ambiental Wolfgang C. Pfeiffer, Universidade Federal de Rondônia, Av. Pres. Dutra, 2967 Olaria, Porto Velho 76801-059, RO, Brazil; (R.d.A.); (W.R.B.)
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de Oliveira AT, Rodrigues PDA, Ramos Filho AM, Gomes MFDS, Liebl ARDS, de Pinho JV, Aride PHR, Conte-Junior CA. Levels of Total Mercury and Health Risk Assessment of Consuming Freshwater Stingrays (Chondrichthyes: Potamotrygoninae) of the Brazilian Amazon. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6990. [PMID: 37947548 PMCID: PMC10647567 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20216990] [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: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Mercury is an element with potential risk to fish and those who consume it. Thus, this study aimed to determine the levels of total mercury (THg), carry out a health risk assessment related to the consumption of the freshwater stingrays Potamotrygon motoro, and determine the physical and chemical properties of the water where stingrays occur. Stingrays of the species P. motoro were obtained from the Amazon River, and samples of the animals' musculature were collected to determine THg levels. Risk assessment was conducted using pre-established formulas of estimated monthly intake (EMI), maximum monthly intake rate (IRmm), and hazard quotient (HQ). Three population scenarios were evaluated, considering both sexes and differences between rural and urban areas. There was no relationship between weight and THg concentration nor between total length and THg concentration. Higher EMI values were observed in rural children; for the IRmm, male children had the lowest consumption levels. For the hazard quotient, there was a similarity between the three age groups when comparing the male and female sexes. In addition, the representatives of the rural area always had lower values than the urban area. Freshwater stingrays, like other elasmobranchs, can be crucial animal species because they act as sentinels in studies that assess harmful chemicals like mercury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriano Teixeira de Oliveira
- Animal Morphophysiology Laboratory, Academic Department of Teacher Training (DAEF), Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Amazonas (IFAM), Manaus Centro Campus (CMC), Manaus 69020-120, AM, Brazil; (M.F.d.S.G.); (A.R.d.S.L.); (P.H.R.A.)
- Graduate Program in Animal Science and Fisheries Resources (PPGCARP), Faculty of Agricultural Sciences (FCA), Federal University of Amazonas (UFAM), University Campus, Manaus 69077-000, AM, Brazil
- Center for Food Analysis (NAL), Technological Development Support Laboratory (LADETEC), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), University City, Rio de Janeiro 21941-598, RJ, Brazil; (P.d.A.R.); (A.M.R.F.); (J.V.d.P.); (C.A.C.-J.)
- Laboratory of Advanced Analysis in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (LAABBM), Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), University City, Rio de Janeiro 21941-909, RJ, Brazil
| | - Paloma de Almeida Rodrigues
- Center for Food Analysis (NAL), Technological Development Support Laboratory (LADETEC), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), University City, Rio de Janeiro 21941-598, RJ, Brazil; (P.d.A.R.); (A.M.R.F.); (J.V.d.P.); (C.A.C.-J.)
- Laboratory of Advanced Analysis in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (LAABBM), Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), University City, Rio de Janeiro 21941-909, RJ, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Mendes Ramos Filho
- Center for Food Analysis (NAL), Technological Development Support Laboratory (LADETEC), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), University City, Rio de Janeiro 21941-598, RJ, Brazil; (P.d.A.R.); (A.M.R.F.); (J.V.d.P.); (C.A.C.-J.)
- Laboratory of Advanced Analysis in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (LAABBM), Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), University City, Rio de Janeiro 21941-909, RJ, Brazil
| | - Maria Fernanda da Silva Gomes
- Animal Morphophysiology Laboratory, Academic Department of Teacher Training (DAEF), Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Amazonas (IFAM), Manaus Centro Campus (CMC), Manaus 69020-120, AM, Brazil; (M.F.d.S.G.); (A.R.d.S.L.); (P.H.R.A.)
- Graduate Program in Animal Science and Fisheries Resources (PPGCARP), Faculty of Agricultural Sciences (FCA), Federal University of Amazonas (UFAM), University Campus, Manaus 69077-000, AM, Brazil
| | - Ariany Rabello da Silva Liebl
- Animal Morphophysiology Laboratory, Academic Department of Teacher Training (DAEF), Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Amazonas (IFAM), Manaus Centro Campus (CMC), Manaus 69020-120, AM, Brazil; (M.F.d.S.G.); (A.R.d.S.L.); (P.H.R.A.)
| | - Júlia Vianna de Pinho
- Center for Food Analysis (NAL), Technological Development Support Laboratory (LADETEC), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), University City, Rio de Janeiro 21941-598, RJ, Brazil; (P.d.A.R.); (A.M.R.F.); (J.V.d.P.); (C.A.C.-J.)
- Laboratory of Advanced Analysis in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (LAABBM), Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), University City, Rio de Janeiro 21941-909, RJ, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Sanitary Surveillance (PPGVS), National Institute of Health Quality Control (INCQS), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil
- National Institute of Health Quality Control, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil
| | - Paulo Henrique Rocha Aride
- Animal Morphophysiology Laboratory, Academic Department of Teacher Training (DAEF), Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Amazonas (IFAM), Manaus Centro Campus (CMC), Manaus 69020-120, AM, Brazil; (M.F.d.S.G.); (A.R.d.S.L.); (P.H.R.A.)
| | - Carlos Adam Conte-Junior
- Center for Food Analysis (NAL), Technological Development Support Laboratory (LADETEC), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), University City, Rio de Janeiro 21941-598, RJ, Brazil; (P.d.A.R.); (A.M.R.F.); (J.V.d.P.); (C.A.C.-J.)
- Laboratory of Advanced Analysis in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (LAABBM), Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), University City, Rio de Janeiro 21941-909, RJ, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Sanitary Surveillance (PPGVS), National Institute of Health Quality Control (INCQS), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil
- National Institute of Health Quality Control, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Veterinary Hygiene (PPGHV), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Fluminense Federal University (UFF), Vital Brazil Filho, Niteroi 24220-000, RJ, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Food Science (PPGCAL), Institute of Chemistry (IQ), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), University City, Rio de Janeiro 21941-909, RJ, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Chemistry (PGQu), Institute of Chemistry (IQ), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), University City, Rio de Janeiro 21941-909, RJ, Brazil
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Jacques PD, Viglio EP, de Oliveira d’El Rei Pinto D. Environmental Geochemical Analysis in the Yanomami Indigenous Land, Mucajaí River Basin, State of Roraima, Brazil. TOXICS 2023; 11:861. [PMID: 37888711 PMCID: PMC10611350 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11100861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
The Yanomami Indigenous Land in the Amazon has a long history of illegal artisanal gold mining, leading to concerns about mercury (Hg) contamination. This study has conducted a geochemical analysis to assess Hg contamination from these mining activities. Geological materials, including river water and stream sediments, were collected from 14 predetermined points based on the Geological Survey of Brazil's methodology. The results revealed that water samples did not show Hg contamination above the limits set by the National Council of the Environment (Conama) Resolution 357. However, two stream sediment samples, particularly PJS009 and PJS010 collected from the Mucajaí River, exceeded the Conama Resolution 454's limit of 0.17 mg/kg. A Hg content of 0.344 mg/kg was found in the sediment sample PJS009, the one collected further upstream in the Mucajaí River, and 1.386 mg/kg was found in sample PJS010, also in the Mucajaí River in the region shortly before the Fumaça Waterfall, indicating that the sediments of the Mucajaí River may be contaminated with Hg from the Fumaça Waterfall upstream.
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Ellwanger JH, Chies JAB. Brazil's heavy metal pollution harms humans and ecosystems. SCIENCE IN ONE HEALTH 2023; 2:100019. [PMID: 39077034 PMCID: PMC11262263 DOI: 10.1016/j.soh.2023.100019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
This letter draws attention to the worrying situation of heavy metal pollution in Brazil, especially concerning the Amazon's Indigenous peoples affected by mercury contamination from illegal gold mining activities. Heavy metal pollution is also an emerging problem in other Brazilian biomes besides the Amazon Forest (e.g., Pampa biome in southern Brazil), as well as in coastal ecosystems/regions and large cities. Despite being a neglected problem, Brazil's heavy metal pollution causes significant detrimental impacts on human health and ecosystems. Finally, some alternatives to overcome this problem are suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel Henrique Ellwanger
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Immunogenetics, Postgraduate Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology (PPGBM), Department of Genetics, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, 91501-970, Brazil
| | - José Artur Bogo Chies
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Immunogenetics, Postgraduate Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology (PPGBM), Department of Genetics, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, 91501-970, Brazil
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Analytical Review on Membrane Water Filter using Different Materials to Prevent Microbial Activities. JOURNAL OF PURE AND APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.22207/jpam.16.4.68] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Drinking water quality monitoring technologies have made significant progress in monitoring water resources and water treatment plants. This paper discusses the adverse effect of microbial contamination and also gives a brief description of the important parameters for drinking water and the technologies currently available used in this field. This paper is focused on studying the requirement for the development of low-cost filter materials that can be suitable as well as economical to be produced on a large-scale for real applications. There are several parameters such as porosity, contact angle, water flux, thickness, microbial activity needed to be focused on in the future to study the transformation of the hydrophilic property on the surface of the water.
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Gomes PR, Pestana IA, de Almeida MG, de Oliveira BCV, de Rezende CE. Effects of illegal gold mining on Hg concentrations in water, Pistia stratiotes, suspended particulate matter, and bottom sediments of two impacted rivers (Paraíba do Sul River and Muriaé River), Southeastern, Brazil. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2022; 194:797. [PMID: 36114919 PMCID: PMC9483332 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-022-10477-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Recent reports of illegal small-scale alluvial gold mining activities (locally called garimpo) by miners working on rafts in the Paraíba do Sul River (PSR) and in one of its tributaries (Muriaé River (MR)) have raised concerns about Hg contamination. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of garimpo activities on Hg contamination in three environmental compartments. Water, sediment, and aquatic macrophytes (Pistia stratiotes) were sampled during the rainy season in PSR, forming a 106-km transect from the point where garimpo rafts were seen and/or seized by the Federal Police. They were also sampled in the MR. Total and dissolved mercury (Hg) concentrations in water and total Hg in the suspended particulate matter (SPM) sampled in the PSR increased by 1.7, 1.5, and 2.1 times at the points where the rafts were seen compared to the point immediately upstream. In the MR, Hg concentrations were higher than those in the PSR, but most values in the environmental compartments were below the safe limits (174-486 ng∙g-1, threshold and probable effect level, respectively), with the exception of Hg in the SPM of one of the MR sampling points (256 ng∙g-1) and the mining tailings (197 ng∙g-1). Sediment granulometry was exponentially associated with Hg concentrations in the sediment (R2 = 0.75, p < 0.0001) and is also essential to understand the physical impacts of garimpo on PSR. Future studies should focus on assessing the seasonal variability of Hg concentrations in the studied compartments, especially if garimpo is identified during the dry season.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipe Ribeiro Gomes
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ecologia E Recursos Naturais, Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Centro de Biociências E Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual Do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Av. Alberto Lamego, 2000 - Parque Califórnia, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, CEP: 28013-602, Brazil.
| | - Inácio Abreu Pestana
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ecologia E Recursos Naturais, Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Centro de Biociências E Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual Do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Av. Alberto Lamego, 2000 - Parque Califórnia, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, CEP: 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Gomes de Almeida
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ecologia E Recursos Naturais, Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Centro de Biociências E Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual Do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Av. Alberto Lamego, 2000 - Parque Califórnia, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, CEP: 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Bráulio Cherene Vaz de Oliveira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ecologia E Recursos Naturais, Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Centro de Biociências E Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual Do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Av. Alberto Lamego, 2000 - Parque Califórnia, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, CEP: 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Carlos Eduardo de Rezende
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ecologia E Recursos Naturais, Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Centro de Biociências E Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual Do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Av. Alberto Lamego, 2000 - Parque Califórnia, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, CEP: 28013-602, Brazil
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Kumar S, Sharma A, Sedha S. Occupational and environmental mercury exposure and human reproductive health - a review. J Turk Ger Gynecol Assoc 2022; 23:199-210. [PMID: 36065987 PMCID: PMC9450922 DOI: 10.4274/jtgga.galenos.2022.2022-2-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Mercury is a toxic heavy metal. Humans are exposed to mercury through several sources including environmental, occupational, contaminated food and water and from mercury-containing dental amalgam. Mercury exposure is known to harm the nervous system profoundly, and have a negative impact on digestive and immune systems, and other organs. To review and discuss the effect of mercury exposure through environmental or occupational routes on human reproduction, pregnancy, and its outcome. Published information about the potential toxic effects of mercury on human reproduction were collected and summarized. Literature was identified by systematic search using relevant keywords. Literature review revealed a number of negative impacts of mercury on human reproduction. These included effects on semen quality, including reduced sperm count, motility, and changes in morphology that may reduce fertility potential. There may also be an effect in changing reproductive hormone levels. Mercury exposure might also affect pregnancy but the data concerning mercury effects on female reproduction are limited except for some data about mercury exposure and poor pregnancy outcomes. Available data indicate that mercury exposure may have a toxicity effect on reproductive potential, especially in males. Prenatal mercury exposure may affect pregnancy or its outcome and this appears to be dependent upon dose, duration, and timing of exposure. Nutritional status of exposed individual might also influence the impact of mercury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunil Kumar
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Gujarat, India
| | - Anupama Sharma
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Gujarat, India
| | - Sapna Sedha
- Department of Biotechnology, Dr. Hari Singh Gour University, Madhya Pradesh, India
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de Vasconcellos ACS, Ferreira SRB, de Sousa CC, de Oliveira MW, de Oliveira Lima M, Basta PC. Health Risk Assessment Attributed to Consumption of Fish Contaminated with Mercury in the Rio Branco Basin, Roraima, Amazon, Brazil. TOXICS 2022; 10:516. [PMID: 36136481 PMCID: PMC9504189 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10090516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the health risk attributable to the consumption of mercury-contaminated fish for the urban and non-urban populations living in the Roraima state, Amazon, Brazil. Seventy-five fish specimens distributed across twenty different species, comprising four trophic levels (i.e., herbivore, omnivore, detritivore, and carnivore), were collected at four locations in the Branco River Basin. The fish samples were sent to the Toxicology Laboratory at Evandro Chagas Institute to determine the total-Hg levels by using the cold vapor atomic system (CVAAS). The total-Hg levels ranged from 0 to 3.159 µg/g. The average concentration in non-carnivorous species (n = 32) was 0.116 µg/g, and among carnivorous fish (n = 43), it was 0.869 µg/g. The weighted average of contamination levels for all samples was 0.545 µg/g. The health risk assessment was conducted according to the methodology proposed by the World Health Organization and different scenarios of human exposure were considered, based on three levels of fish consumption (low: 50 g/day; moderate: 100 g/day and high: 200 g/day). Women of childbearing age ingest 5 to 21 times more mercury than the dose considered safe by the U.S. EPA and intake a dose from 2 to 9 times higher than the safe dose proposed by FAO/WHO. Children under 5 years of age ingest from 18 to 75 times the dose proposed by the U.S. EPA and from 8 to 32 more mercury than the limit proposed by FAO/WHO. In summary, regardless of the level of fish consumption, type of residency (urban or non-urban), and the subset of the population analyzed, anyone who consumes fish from the locations sampled is at high risk attributable to mercury ingestion, with the only exception of adult men, who consume an average of 50 g of fish per day.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Claudia Santiago de Vasconcellos
- Laboratory of Professional Education on Health Surveillance, Joaquim Venâncio Polytechnic School of Health, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil
| | - Sylvio Romério Briglia Ferreira
- Postgraduate Program in Natural Resources (Pronat), Federal University of Roraima, Campus Paricarana, Boa Vista 69310-000, RR, Brazil
| | | | | | - Marcelo de Oliveira Lima
- Environmental Section, Evandro Chagas Institute, Secretariat of Science, Technology and Strategic Products, Ministry of Health of Brazil, Belém 70723-040, PA, Brazil
| | - Paulo Cesar Basta
- Department of Endemic Diseases Samuel Pessoa, National School of Public Health Sergio Arouca, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro 21041-210, RJ, Brazil
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Nyholt K, Jardine TD, Villamarín F, Jacobi CM, Hawes JE, Campos-Silva JV, Srayko S, Magnusson WE. High rates of mercury biomagnification in fish from Amazonian floodplain-lake food webs. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 833:155161. [PMID: 35421468 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Despite a global phase out of some point sources, mercury (Hg) remains elevated in aquatic food webs, posing health risks for fish-eating consumers. Many tropical regions have fast growing organisms, potentially short food chains, and few industrial point sources, suggesting low Hg baselines and low rates of trophic magnification with limited risk to people. Nevertheless, insufficient work on food-web Hg has been undertaken in the tropics and fish consumption is high in some regions. We studied Hg concentrations in fishes from floodplain lakes of the Juruá River, Amazonas, Brazil with three objectives: 1) determine rates of Hg trophic magnification, 2) assess whether Hg concentrations are high enough to impact humans eating fish, and 3) determine whether there are seasonal differences in fish Hg concentrations. A total of 377 fish-muscle samples were collected from 12 floodplain lakes during the low-water (September 2018) and falling-water (June 2019) seasons and analysed for total Hg and stable nitrogen (N) isotopes. The average trophic magnification factor (increase per trophic level) was 10.1 in the low-water season and 5.4 in the falling-water season, both well above the global average for freshwaters. This high rate of trophic magnification, coupled with higher-than-expected Hg concentrations in herbivorous species, led to high concentrations (up to 17.6 ng/g dry weight) in predatory pirarucu and piranha. Nearly 70% of all samples had Hg concentrations above the recommended human-consumption guidelines. Average concentrations were 42% higher in the low-water season than the falling-water season, but differences varied by species. Since Hg concentrations are higher than expected and fish consumption in this region is high, future research should focus on Hg exposure for human populations here and in other tropical-rainforest regions, even in the absence of local point sources of Hg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey Nyholt
- Toxicology Centre and School of Environment and Sustainability, University of Saskatchewan, 44 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5B3, Canada
| | - Timothy D Jardine
- Toxicology Centre and School of Environment and Sustainability, University of Saskatchewan, 44 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5B3, Canada.
| | - Francisco Villamarín
- Grupo de Biogeografía y Ecología Espacial (BioGeoE(2)), Universidad Regional Amazónica Ikiam, km7 vía Muyuna, Tena, Ecuador
| | - Cristina M Jacobi
- Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia (INPA), Av. André Araújo, 2936, Petrópolis, Manaus, Amazonas 69067-375, Brazil; Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Avenida 24 A 1515, Rio Claro, São Paulo 13506-900, Brazil
| | - Joseph E Hawes
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management (MINA), Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Universitetstunet 3, 1433 Ås, Norway; Applied Ecology Research Group, School of Life Sciences, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge CB1 1PT, UK; Instituto Juruá, Manaus, Amazonas 69083-300, Brazil
| | - João V Campos-Silva
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management (MINA), Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Universitetstunet 3, 1433 Ås, Norway; Instituto Juruá, Manaus, Amazonas 69083-300, Brazil
| | - Stephen Srayko
- Toxicology Centre and School of Environment and Sustainability, University of Saskatchewan, 44 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5B3, Canada
| | - William E Magnusson
- Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia (INPA), Av. André Araújo, 2936, Petrópolis, Manaus, Amazonas 69067-375, Brazil
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Han K, Ju MJ, Kim DH, Choi YH. Environmental exposures to lead, cadmium, and mercury and pterygium in Korean adults. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:55058-55068. [PMID: 35314935 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-19250-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Pterygium, one of the most common eye disorders, is an abnormal fibrovascular proliferation extending from the conjunctiva to the cornea. The mechanism of development in pterygium has not been fully elucidated; however, oxidative stress is suggested to be one of the major causes. Heavy metals such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg) enter the human body and induce oxidative stress. However, no study has investigated the association of these heavy metals with pterygium. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the associations of environmental exposures to Pb, Cd, and Hg with pterygium in the Korean general adults. We analyzed data from 6,587 adults (≥ 20 years of age) who participated in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) 2008-2011. Pterygium was diagnosed as the presence of a wing-shaped fibrovascular growth. The exposures of Pb, Cd, and Hg were estimated by measuring blood concentrations. The prevalence of pterygium in this study population was 4.0% (348 subjects). After adjusting for potential confounders, the Pb level in blood was found to have a significant dose-dependent association with pterygium (p for trend = 0.001), and its highest quintile (vs. the lowest) had an odds ratio (OR) of 2.22 (95% CI: 1.30, 3.78) for pterygium. The Hg level in blood in the second quintile (vs. the lowest) had an OR of 1.64 (95% CI: 1.04, 2.59) for pterygium. In conclusion, this study suggests that environmental exposures to Pb and Hg in the Korean general adults may be related to the development of pterygium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyunghee Han
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
| | - Min Jae Ju
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, GAIHST, Gachon University, Incheon, Korea
| | - Dong Hyun Kim
- Department of Ophthalmology, Gil Medical Center, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
| | - Yoon-Hyeong Choi
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon, Korea.
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, GAIHST, Gachon University, Incheon, Korea.
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12
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Vieira JCS, de Oliveira G, Cavallini NG, Braga CP, Adamec J, Zara LF, Buzalaf MAR, de Magalhães Padilha P. Investigation of Protein Biomarkers and Oxidative Stress in Pinirampus pirinampu Exposed to Mercury Species from the Madeira River, Amazon-Brazil. Biol Trace Elem Res 2022; 200:1872-1882. [PMID: 34482504 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-021-02805-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
In recent decades, the scientific community has widely debated the contamination of fish in the Amazon region by mercury species. As the diet of riverside populations in the Amazon region is based mainly on fish, these populations are exposed to mercurial species that can cause serious and irreversible damage to their health. The risks of consuming fish exposed to mercurial species in the Amazon region have motivated toxicological investigations. However, the effect of mercurial species on protein and enzyme levels is still controversial. In this work, analytical and bioanalytical techniques Two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis [2D-PAGE] Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry [GFAAS], and Mass Spectrometry in Sequence with Electrospray Ionization [ESI-MS/MS] were used to identify proteins associated with mercury (metal-binding protein) in muscle and liver tissues of the fish species Pinirampus pirinampu from the Madeira River, in the Brazilian Amazon. Enzymatic and lipid peroxidation analyses were also used to assess changes related to oxidative stress. Determinations of total mercury by GFAAS indicated higher concentrations in liver tissue (555 ± 19.0 µg kg-1) when compared to muscle tissue (60 ± 2.0 µg kg-1). The fractionation process of tissue proteomes by 2D-PAGE and subsequent mapping of mercury by GFAAS in the protein spots of the gels identified the presence of mercury in three spots of the liver tissue (concentrations in the range of 0.800 to 1.90 mg kg-1). The characterization of protein spots associated with mercury by ESI-MS/MS identified the enzymes triosephosphate isomerase A, adenylate kinase 2 mitochondrial, and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase as possible candidates for mercury exposure biomarkers. The muscle tissue did not show protein spots associated with mercury. Enzymatic activity decreased proportionally to the increase in mercury concentrations in the tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Grasieli de Oliveira
- Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Jiri Adamec
- University of Nebraska (UNL), Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Luiz Fabrício Zara
- College of Planaltina, University of Brasília (UNB), Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil
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13
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Basta PC, Viana PVDS, de Vasconcellos ACS, Périssé ARS, Hofer CB, Paiva NS, Kempton JW, Ciampi de Andrade D, de Oliveira RAA, Achatz RW, Perini JA, Meneses HDNDM, Hallwass G, Lima MDO, de Jesus IM, dos Santos CCR, Hacon SDS. Mercury Exposure in Munduruku Indigenous Communities from Brazilian Amazon: Methodological Background and an Overview of the Principal Results. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:9222. [PMID: 34501811 PMCID: PMC8430525 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18179222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The Amazonian indigenous peoples depend on natural resources to live, but human activities' growing impacts threaten their health and livelihoods. Our objectives were to present the principal results of an integrated and multidisciplinary analysis of the health parameters and assess the mercury (Hg) exposure levels in indigenous populations in the Brazilian Amazon. We carried out a cross-sectional study based on a census of three Munduruku indigenous villages (Sawré Muybu, Poxo Muybu, and Sawré Aboy), located in the Sawré Muybu Indigenous Land, between 29 October and 9 November 2019. The investigation included: (i) sociodemographic characterization of the participants; (ii) health assessment; (iii) genetic polymorphism analysis; (iv) hair mercury determination; and (v) fish mercury determination. We used the logistic regression model with conditional Prevalence Ratio (PR), with the respective 95% confidence intervals (CI95%) to explore factors associated with mercury exposure levels ≥6.0 µg/g. A total of 200 participants were interviewed. Mercury levels (197 hair samples) ranged from 1.4 to 23.9 μg/g, with significant differences between the villages (Kruskal-Wallis test: 19.9; p-value < 0.001). On average, the general prevalence of Hg exposure ≥ 6.0 µg/g was 57.9%. For participants ≥12 years old, the Hg exposure ≥6.0 µg/g showed associated with no regular income (PR: 1.3; CI95%: 1.0-1.8), high blood pressure (PR: 1.6; CI95%: 1.3-2.1) and was more prominent in Sawré Aboy village (PR: 1.8; CI95%: 1.3-2.3). For women of childbearing age, the Hg exposure ≥6.0 µg/g was associated with high blood pressure (PR: 1.9; CI95%: 1.2-2.3), with pregnancy (PR: 1.5; CI95%: 1.0-2.1) and was more prominent among residents in Poxo Muybu (PR: 1.9; CI95%: 1.0-3.4) and Sawré Aboy (PR: 2.5; CI95%: 1.4-4.4) villages. Our findings suggest that chronic mercury exposure causes harmful effects to the studied indigenous communities, especially considering vulnerable groups of the population, such as women of childbearing age. Lastly, we propose to stop the illegal mining in these areas and develop a risk management plan that aims to ensure the health, livelihoods, and human rights of the indigenous people from Amazon Basin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulo Cesar Basta
- Departamento de Endemias Samuel Pessoa, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (ENSP/Fiocruz), Rua Leopoldo Bulhões, 1480-Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro 21041-210, Brazil; (A.R.S.P.); (S.d.S.H.)
| | - Paulo Victor de Sousa Viana
- Centro de Referência Professor Hélio Fraga, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (CRPHF/ENSP/Fiocruz), Estrada de Curicica, 2000-Curicica, Rio de Janeiro 22780-195, Brazil;
| | - Ana Claudia Santiago de Vasconcellos
- Laboratório de Educação Profissional em Vigilância em Saúde, Escola Politécnica de Saúde Joaquim Venâncio, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (EPSJV/Fiocruz), Av. Brazil, 4365-Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil;
| | - André Reynaldo Santos Périssé
- Departamento de Endemias Samuel Pessoa, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (ENSP/Fiocruz), Rua Leopoldo Bulhões, 1480-Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro 21041-210, Brazil; (A.R.S.P.); (S.d.S.H.)
| | - Cristina Barroso Hofer
- Instituto de Pediatria e Puericultura Martagão Gesteira, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rua Bruno Lobo, 50-Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro 21941-912, Brazil;
| | - Natalia Santana Paiva
- Instituto de Estudos em Saúde Coletiva (IESC), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Avenida Horácio Macedo, s/n, Ilha do Fundão-Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro 21941-598, Brazil;
| | - Joseph William Kempton
- Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Medical School Building, St Mary’s Hospital, Norfolk Place, London W2 1PG, UK;
| | - Daniel Ciampi de Andrade
- Centro de Dor, Departamento de Neurologia, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Av. Dr. Enéas Carvalho de Aguiar, 255-Cerqueira César, São Paulo 05403-000, Brazil; (D.C.d.A.); (R.A.A.d.O.)
| | - Rogério Adas Ayres de Oliveira
- Centro de Dor, Departamento de Neurologia, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Av. Dr. Enéas Carvalho de Aguiar, 255-Cerqueira César, São Paulo 05403-000, Brazil; (D.C.d.A.); (R.A.A.d.O.)
| | - Rafaela Waddington Achatz
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Psicologia Clínica do Instituto de Psicologia da Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Av. Professor Mello Moraes, 1721-Butantã, São Paulo 05508-030, Brazil;
| | - Jamila Alessandra Perini
- Laboratório de Pesquisa de Ciências Farmacêuticas (LAPESF), Centro Universitário Estadual da Zona Oeste (UEZO), Av. Manuel Caldeira de Alvarenga, 1.203, Rio de Janeiro 23070-200, Brazil;
| | - Heloísa do Nascimento de Moura Meneses
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde (PPGCSA), Universidade Federal do Oeste do Pará, Rua Vera Paz Av. Vera Paz, s/n, Bairro Salé, 1° Pavimento, Bloco Modular Tapajós, Unidade Tapajós, Santarém, Pará 68035-110, Brazil;
| | - Gustavo Hallwass
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biociências (PPGBio), Universidade Federal do Oeste do Pará, Rua Vera Paz, s/n, Bairro Salé, Santarém 68035-110, Brazil;
| | - Marcelo de Oliveira Lima
- Seção de Meio Ambiente, Instituto Evandro Chagas, Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde, Ministério da Saúde (SEAMB/IEC/SVS/MS), Rodovia BR-316 km 7, s/n, Levilândia 67030-000, Brazil; (M.d.O.L.); (I.M.d.J.)
| | - Iracina Maura de Jesus
- Seção de Meio Ambiente, Instituto Evandro Chagas, Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde, Ministério da Saúde (SEAMB/IEC/SVS/MS), Rodovia BR-316 km 7, s/n, Levilândia 67030-000, Brazil; (M.d.O.L.); (I.M.d.J.)
| | - Cleidiane Carvalho Ribeiro dos Santos
- Distrito Sanitário Especial Indígena Rio Tapajós (DSEI), Secretaria Especial de Saúde Indígena Tapajós (Sesai), Av. Santa Catarina, 10° Rua, nº 96, Bairro Bela Vista, Itaituba 68180-210, Brazil;
| | - Sandra de Souza Hacon
- Departamento de Endemias Samuel Pessoa, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (ENSP/Fiocruz), Rua Leopoldo Bulhões, 1480-Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro 21041-210, Brazil; (A.R.S.P.); (S.d.S.H.)
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14
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Sinkus W, White B, Reed L, Shervette V. Mercury accumulation in reef fishes: a comparison among red grouper, scamp, and gag of the Atlantic southeastern US and evaluation of "grouper" consumption guidelines. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2021; 193:574. [PMID: 34392425 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-021-09299-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
In fish consumption advisories pertaining to Hg, grouper species in the family Serranidae are often lumped together and labeled generically as Grouper. However, grouper species vary considerably in growth rate, maximum age, and maximum size. This study examined the variability of Hg concentrations and bioaccumulation rates (increase of Hg concentrations in relation to age) for populations of three long-lived, slow-growing, protogynous hermaphrodite grouper species, gag Mycteroperca microlepis, scamp M. phenax, and red grouper Epinephelus morio, which are commercially and recreationally important in the offshore waters of the US southeastern region. A total of 268 samples from the three grouper species were processed for Hg analysis from 2013-2015. Concentrations of Hg ranged from 0.03 to 0.87 ppm wet weight, with a mean of 0.30 ppm. Gag accumulated Hg at a faster rate (as measured by the increase of Hg with fish age) than the other two species. Size, age, and δ15N were significant predictors for Hg in the two Mycteroperca species, while size and age were significant predictors for Hg in red grouper. Two of the three species had mean Hg concentrations within the one meal per week "Good Choices" consumption category (red grouper and scamp), and one species (gag) had a mean Hg level within the two meals per week "Good Choices" consumption category as advised by the US EPA and US FDA. These results support the separation of grouper species in advisories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wiley Sinkus
- College of Charleston: Grice Marine Laboratory, 205 Fort Johnson Rd, Charleston, SC, 29412, USA
- South Carolina Department of Natural Resources Marine Resources Research Institute, 217 Fort Johnson Rd, Charleston, SC, 29412, USA
| | - Byron White
- South Carolina Department of Natural Resources Marine Resources Research Institute, 217 Fort Johnson Rd, Charleston, SC, 29412, USA
| | - LouAnn Reed
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Hollings Marine Laboratory, 331 Fort Johnson Rd, Charleston, SC, 29412, USA
| | - Virginia Shervette
- Department of Biology/Geology, University of South Carolina, Aiken 471 University Pkwy, Aiken, SC, 29801, USA.
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15
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Addai-Arhin S, Novirsa R, Jeong HH, Phan QD, Hirota N, Ishibashi Y, Shiratsuchi H, Arizono K. The human health risks assessment of mercury in soils and plantains from farms in selected artisanal and small-scale gold mining communities around Obuasi, Ghana. J Appl Toxicol 2021; 42:258-273. [PMID: 34133775 DOI: 10.1002/jat.4209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Food consumption remains the commonest pathway through which humans ingest higher levels of mercury (Hg). Long-term exposure to Hg through Hg-contaminated food may result in acute or chronic Hg toxicity. Incessant discharge of Hg waste from ASGM facilities into nearby farms contaminates food crops. Ingestion of such food crops by residents may lead to detrimental human health effects. The human health risks upon exposure to total mercury (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg) in farmland soils and plantains from farms sited near ASGM facilities were studied in four communities around Obuasi, Ghana. The human health risk assessment was evaluated using hazard quotient (HQ), estimated average daily intake (e AvDI), hazard index (HI) and Hg elimination and retention kinetics. Tweapease, Nyamebekyere and Ahansonyewodea had HQ, e AvDI and HI for THg of plantains for both adults and children below the recommended USEPA limit of 1, 3 × 10-4 mg/kg/day and 1, respectively. Odumase had HQ, e AvDI and HI for THg of plantains for both adults and children, higher than the guideline values. This meant that only Odumase may cause non-carcinogenic human health effects upon repeated exposure. The HQ, e AvDI and HI values of MeHg for all the study areas were far below guideline values, hence may not pose any non-carcinogenic human health risks to residents even upon repeated exposure. Retention and elimination kinetics of Hg also showed that only plantains from Odumase may pose significant non-carcinogenic human health risks to residents because the final amount of inorganic mercury exceeded the extrapolated USEPA guideline value of 0.393 μg/kg/year.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvester Addai-Arhin
- Graduate School of Environmental and Symbiotic Sciences, Prefectural University of Kumamoto, Kumamoto, Japan.,Faculty of Environmental and Symbiotic Sciences, Prefectural University of Kumamoto, Kumamoto, Japan.,Pharmaceutical Science Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, Kumasi Technical University, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Randy Novirsa
- Graduate School of Environmental and Symbiotic Sciences, Prefectural University of Kumamoto, Kumamoto, Japan.,Faculty of Environmental and Symbiotic Sciences, Prefectural University of Kumamoto, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Hui Ho Jeong
- Graduate School of Environmental and Symbiotic Sciences, Prefectural University of Kumamoto, Kumamoto, Japan.,Faculty of Environmental and Symbiotic Sciences, Prefectural University of Kumamoto, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Quang Dinh Phan
- Graduate School of Environmental and Symbiotic Sciences, Prefectural University of Kumamoto, Kumamoto, Japan.,Faculty of Environmental and Symbiotic Sciences, Prefectural University of Kumamoto, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Nana Hirota
- Faculty of Environmental and Symbiotic Sciences, Prefectural University of Kumamoto, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Ishibashi
- Faculty of Environmental and Symbiotic Sciences, Prefectural University of Kumamoto, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Hideki Shiratsuchi
- Faculty of Environmental and Symbiotic Sciences, Prefectural University of Kumamoto, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Koji Arizono
- Faculty of Environmental and Symbiotic Sciences, Prefectural University of Kumamoto, Kumamoto, Japan.,Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
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16
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Anselm OH, Cavoura O, Davidson CM, Oluseyi TO, Oyeyiola AO, Togias K. Mobility, spatial variation and human health risk assessment of mercury in soil from an informal e-waste recycling site, Lagos, Nigeria. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2021; 193:416. [PMID: 34120239 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-021-09165-0] [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: 11/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Spatial variations and mobility of mercury (Hg) and Hg associations with other potentially toxic elements (PTEs) were studied in soil samples from Alaba, the largest e-waste recycling site in Nigeria and West Africa. Total Hg concentration was determined in surface soil samples from various locations using cold vapour atomic absorption spectrometry (CVAAS) following microwave-assisted acid extraction, while sequential extraction was used to determine operationally defined mobility. The concentrations of the PTEs arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) metals were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) following microwave-assisted digestion with aqua regia. Total Hg concentration ranged from < 0.07 to 624 mg/kg and was largely dependent on the nature and intensity of e-waste recycling activities carried out. Mobile forms of Hg, which may be HgO (a known component of some forms of e-waste), accounted for between 3.2 and 23% of the total Hg concentration, and were observed to decrease with increasing organic matter (OM). Non-mobile forms accounted for >74% of the total Hg content. In the main recycling area, soil concentrations of Cd, Cd, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn were above soil guideline values (Environment Agency in Science Report, 2009; Kamunda et al., 2016). Strong associations were observed between Hg and other PTEs (except for Fe and Zn) with the correlational coefficient ranging from 0.731 with Cr to 0.990 with As in April, but these correlations decreased in June except for Fe. Hazard quotient values > 1 at two locations suggest that Hg may pose health threats to people working at the e-waste recycling site. It is therefore recommended that workers should be investigated for symptoms of Hg exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluwaseun H Anselm
- Department of Chemistry, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, Nigeria
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun, Ogun State, Nigeria
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Olga Cavoura
- Department of Public Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece.
| | - Christine M Davidson
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
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17
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Association of Mercury Exposure and Maternal Sociodemographics on Birth Outcomes of Indigenous and Tribal Women in Suriname. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18126370. [PMID: 34204640 PMCID: PMC8296187 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18126370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Information regarding adverse birth outcomes (ABO) of Indigenous and Tribal women living in the remote tropical rainforest of Suriname, where mercury (Hg) use is abundant in artisanal gold mining, is not available. In the context of a health system analysis, we examined the association between Hg exposure, maternal sociodemographics on the ABO of Indigenous and Tribal women living in Suriname’s interior and its capital, Paramaribo. ABO were determined in pregnant women enrolled from December 2016 to July 2019 in the Caribbean Consortium for Environmental and Occupational Health prospective environmental epidemiologic cohort study. Associations were explored using Pearson’s χ2-test and the Mann–Whitney U-test. Among 351 singleton participants, 32% were Indigenous, residing mainly in the interior (86.8%), and 23.1% had ABO. Indigenous participants had higher rates of ABO (29.8% vs. 19.8%) and preterm birth (PTB) (21.2% vs. 12.4%), higher Hg levels, delivered at a younger age, were less educated, and had lower household income compared to Tribal participants. Multivariate logistic regression models revealed that Indigenous participants had higher odds of ABO (OR = 3.60; 95% CI 1.70–7.63) and PTB (OR = 3.43; 95% CI 1.48–7.96) compared with Tribal participants, independent of Hg exposure and age at delivery. These results highlight the importance of effective risk reduction measures in support of Indigenous mothers, families, and communities.
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18
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Pirsaheb M, Hadei M, Sharafi K. Human health risk assessment by Monte Carlo simulation method for heavy metals of commonly consumed cereals in Iran- Uncertainty and sensitivity analysis. J Food Compost Anal 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jfca.2020.103697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
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19
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Gyamfi O, Sorenson PB, Darko G, Ansah E, Bak JL. Human health risk assessment of exposure to indoor mercury vapour in a Ghanaian artisanal small-scale gold mining community. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 241:125014. [PMID: 31600621 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.125014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Revised: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 09/29/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
People living or working in and around artisanal small-scale gold mining communities can be exposed to mercury vapour, which may negatively affect their health. In this study, the human exposure to air borne mercury in an artisanal mining community in the Upper East region of Ghana was investigated using Lumex RA 915 M mercury analyser, an active sampler. The concentration of mercury in air was measured inside and outside households and was related to human health risk standards. For each household, one measurement was taken from outside and three from inside at different positions. About 91% of the households where amalgam burning was reported had concentrations higher than the USEPA reference dose of 300 ng m-3 whereas 64% of the households where amalgam burning was not reported exceeded the reference dose above. The maximal (upper) instrumental limit (50,000 ng m-3) was passed for the highest concentrations, so, the upper 97.5% concentration was estimated, using censored statistics, to exceed 800,000 ng m-3 for the fireplaces. This exceeds any reported indoor household air concentration of Hg, identified by the literature review in this paper. Estimated hazard quotients were found to range from <1 to 108 within the households that are reported not to burn amalgam. In the households where amalgam burning reportedly takes place, the hazard quotient had a range of 0.01-160. Mercury concentrations measured in households with reported amalgam burning are approximately ten times higher than those households with no reported burning of amalgam. The censored data predicted hazard quotients up to 966. The results indicate that both miners and non-miners of the community are at risk of adverse health effects resulting from inhalation of mercury vapour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Opoku Gyamfi
- Department of Chemistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.
| | | | - Godfred Darko
- Department of Chemistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Eugene Ansah
- Department of Chemistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Jesper Leth Bak
- Institute of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Silkeborg, Denmark
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20
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Lacerda EMDCB, Souza GDS, Cortes MIT, Rodrigues AR, Pinheiro MCN, Silveira LCDL, Ventura DF. Comparison of Visual Functions of Two Amazonian Populations: Possible Consequences of Different Mercury Exposure. Front Neurosci 2020; 13:1428. [PMID: 32038136 PMCID: PMC6985551 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.01428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study investigated the visual perimetry and color vision of two Amazonian populations differently exposed to mercury. Ten riverines environmentally exposed to mercury by fish eating and 34 gold-miners occupationally exposed to mercury vapor. The visual perimetry was estimated using the Förster perimeter and the color vision was evaluated using a computerized version of Farnsworth-Munsell test. Riverine and gold-miners' hair mercury concentrations were quantified. Mercury hair concentration of the riverines was significantly higher than that from gold-miners. Riverines had lower perimetric area than the gold-miners. The errors in the hue ordering test of both Amazonian populations were larger than the controls (non-exposed subjects), but there was no difference between themselves. Riverines had significant multiple association between the visual function and hair mercury concentration, while the gold-miners has no significant association with the exposure. We concluded that the different ways of mercury exposure led to similar visual outcomes, with greater impairment in riverines (organic mercury exposed subjects).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Givago da Silva Souza
- Núcleo de Medicina Tropical, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Brazil.,Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Luiz Carlos de Lima Silveira
- Núcleo de Medicina Tropical, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Brazil.,Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Dora Fix Ventura
- Instituto de Psicologia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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21
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Mosquera-Guerra F, Trujillo F, Parks D, Oliveira-da-Costa M, Van Damme PA, Echeverría A, Franco N, Carvajal-Castro JD, Mantilla-Meluk H, Marmontel M, Armenteras-Pascual D. Mercury in Populations of River Dolphins of the Amazon and Orinoco Basins. ECOHEALTH 2019; 16:743-758. [PMID: 31712931 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-019-01451-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
In the Amazon and Orinoco basins, mercury has been released from artisanal and industrial gold mining since the Colonial time, as well as a result of deforestation and burning of primary forest, that release natural deposits of methyl mercury, affecting the local aquatic vertebrate fauna. This study reports the presence of mercury in river dolphins' genera Inia and Sotalia. Mercury concentrations were analysed in muscle tissue samples collected from 46 individuals at the Arauca and Orinoco Rivers (Colombia), the Amazon River (Colombia), a tributary of the Itenez River (Bolivia) and from the Tapajos River (Brazil). Ranges of total mercury (Hg) concentration in muscle tissue of the four different taxa sampled were: I. geoffrensis humboldtiana 0.003-3.99 mg kg-1 ww (n = 21, Me = 0.4), I. g. geoffrensis 0.1-2.6 mg kg-1 ww (n = 15, Me = 0.55), I. boliviensis 0.03-0.4 mg kg-1 ww (n = 8, Me = 0.1) and S. fluviatilis 0.1-0.87 mg kg-1 ww (n = 2, Me = 0.5). The highest Hg concentration in our study was obtained at the Orinoco basin, recorded from a juvenile male of I. g. humboldtiana (3.99 mg kg-1 ww). At the Amazon basin, higher concentrations of mercury were recorded in the Tapajos River (Brazil) from an adult male of I. g. geoffrensis (2.6 mg kg-1 ww) and the Amazon River from an adult female of S. fluviatilis (0.87 mg kg-1 ww). Our data support the presence of total Hg in river dolphins distributed across the evaluated basins, evidencing the role of these cetaceans as sentinel species and bioindicators of the presence of this heavy metal in natural aquatic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Mosquera-Guerra
- Fundación Omacha, Calle 84 No. 21-64, Barrio El Polo, Bogotá, DC, Colombia.
- Grupo de Ecología del Paisaje y Modelación de Ecosistemas-ECOLMOD, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Cra 30 No. 45-03, Bogotá, DC, Colombia.
| | - F Trujillo
- Fundación Omacha, Calle 84 No. 21-64, Barrio El Polo, Bogotá, DC, Colombia
| | - D Parks
- Whitley Fund for Nature, 110 Princedale Road l, London, W11 4NH, UK
| | | | - P A Van Damme
- Faunagua, final Av. Max Fernández final s/n - Plazuela Chillijchi (Arocagua Norte) - Sacaba, Cochabamba, Bolivia
| | - A Echeverría
- Faunagua, final Av. Max Fernández final s/n - Plazuela Chillijchi (Arocagua Norte) - Sacaba, Cochabamba, Bolivia
| | - N Franco
- Fundación Omacha, Calle 84 No. 21-64, Barrio El Polo, Bogotá, DC, Colombia
| | - J D Carvajal-Castro
- Instituto de Investigación de Recursos Biológicos Alexander von Humboldt, Bogotá, DC, Colombia
| | - H Mantilla-Meluk
- Programa de Biología, Universidad del Quindío, Carrera 15 No. 12 Norte, Armenia, Quindío, Colombia
| | - M Marmontel
- Instituto Mamirauá de Desenvolvimento Sustentável, Estrada do Bexiga, 2.584 Bairro Fonte Boa, Cx. Postal 38, Tefé, AM, 69.553-225, Brazil
| | - D Armenteras-Pascual
- Grupo de Ecología del Paisaje y Modelación de Ecosistemas-ECOLMOD, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Cra 30 No. 45-03, Bogotá, DC, Colombia
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22
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Neural-based approaches to overcome feature selection and applicability domain in drug-related property prediction. Appl Soft Comput 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.asoc.2019.105777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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23
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Schneider L, Allen K, Walker M, Morgan C, Haberle S. Using Tree Rings to Track Atmospheric Mercury Pollution in Australia: The Legacy of Mining in Tasmania. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2019; 53:5697-5706. [PMID: 30871315 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.8b06712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Historical records of mercury (Hg) deposition in lake sediments have commonly been used to monitor historic atmospheric concentrations. In the Australian environment, however, freshwater lakes are limited, restricting the region for which depositional archives of Hg can be derived. In this study we show that dendrochemistry can provide a record of atmospheric concentrations at very high resolution. We measured Hg concentrations in growth rings of two tree species from a site in western in Tasmania-Huon Pine ( Lagarostrobus franklinii) and Celery Top Pine ( Phyllocladus aspleniifolius). This region has been heavily mined over the past 150 years. Although much previous work has linked atmospheric Hg to gold mining, the evidence in this study suggests that copper smelters in Queenstown and Zeehan, not gold mining activities, were the main sources of Hg emissions to the atmosphere in this location. Huon Pine had significantly higher background Hg concentrations ( x̅ = 5.62 ng/g) than Celery Top Pine ( x̅ = 2.95 ng/g). No significant increase in Hg concentration during the peak copper smelting phase (1896 to 1935) was observed in Celery Top Pine, while a significant 1.4 fold-increase was observed in Huon Pine. Our results show that of species examined across the globe, Huon Pine is one of the most efficient bioaccumulators of Hg, making it a good proxy for tracking historical Hg emissions in western Tasmania. This ability to measure Hg in the environment is essential if Australia ratifies the Minamata Convention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kathryn Allen
- School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences , University of Melbourne , 500 Yarra Boulevard , Richmond , Victoria 3121 , Australia
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24
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Freitas JS, Lacerda EMCB, Rodrigues Júnior D, Corvelo TCO, Silveira LCL, Pinheiro MDACN, Souza GS. Mercury exposure of children living in Amazonian villages: influence of geographical location where they lived during prenatal and postnatal development. AN ACAD BRAS CIENC 2019; 91:e20180097. [PMID: 31017187 DOI: 10.1590/0001-3765201920180097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In some Amazonian river basins, hair mercury concentration is above the recommended levels. We evaluated the influence of birth geographical location in the hair mercury level of Amazonian riverine children. MATERIALS AND METHODS Hair mercury concentration was measured in 219 children living in four Amazonian riverine communities: Tapajós River (São Luiz do Tapajós and Barreiras villages, n = 110), Tocantins River (Limoeiro do Ajurú village, n = 61), and Caeté River (Caratateua village, n = 48). We used Poisson regression analysis to evaluate the association between native and non-native children from each village and its hair mercury concentration. RESULTS Higher mercury exposure was found in native children from São Luiz do Tapajós (range = 0.81-22.38 µg/g) followed by native children from Barreiras (range = 0.48-13.46 µg/g), non-native children from São Luiz do Tapajós (range = 0.26-22.18 µg/g), non-native children from Barreiras (range = 0.43-20.76 µg/g), followed by the children from Caeté and Tocantins river basins. We observed that Tapajós villages' native children had higher prevalence of mercury exposure children than other children (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Birth geographical location has association to mercury levels in the hair of children who lived in a same community with history of mercury exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joyce S Freitas
- Núcleo de Medicina Tropical, Universidade Federal do Pará, Avenida Generalíssimo Deodoro, 92, Umarizal, 66055-240 Belém, PA, Brazil
| | | | - Dario Rodrigues Júnior
- Núcleo de Medicina Tropical, Universidade Federal do Pará, Avenida Generalíssimo Deodoro, 92, Umarizal, 66055-240 Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Tereza Cristina O Corvelo
- Núcleo de Medicina Tropical, Universidade Federal do Pará, Avenida Generalíssimo Deodoro, 92, Umarizal, 66055-240 Belém, PA, Brazil.,Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Rua Augusto Correa, 01, Guamá, 66075-110 Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Luiz Carlos L Silveira
- Núcleo de Medicina Tropical, Universidade Federal do Pará, Avenida Generalíssimo Deodoro, 92, Umarizal, 66055-240 Belém, PA, Brazil.,Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Rua Augusto Correa, 01, Guamá, 66075-110 Belém, PA, Brazil.,Universidade do Ceuma, Rua José Montello, 1, Renascença II, 65075-120 São Luís, MA, Brazil
| | - Maria DA Conceição N Pinheiro
- Núcleo de Medicina Tropical, Universidade Federal do Pará, Avenida Generalíssimo Deodoro, 92, Umarizal, 66055-240 Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Givago S Souza
- Núcleo de Medicina Tropical, Universidade Federal do Pará, Avenida Generalíssimo Deodoro, 92, Umarizal, 66055-240 Belém, PA, Brazil.,Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Rua Augusto Correa, 01, Guamá, 66075-110 Belém, PA, Brazil
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25
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Calder RSD, Bromage S, Sunderland EM. Risk tradeoffs associated with traditional food advisories for Labrador Inuit. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 168:496-506. [PMID: 30477821 PMCID: PMC6317887 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2018.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2018] [Revised: 08/04/2018] [Accepted: 09/05/2018] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The traditional Inuit diet includes wild birds, fish and marine mammals, which can contain high concentrations of the neurotoxicant methylmercury (MeHg). Hydroelectric development may increase MeHg concentrations in traditional foods. Consumption advisories are often used to mitigate such risks and can result in reduced intake of traditional foods. Data from a dietary survey, MeHg exposure assessment and risk analysis for individuals in three Inuit communities in Labrador, Canada (n = 1145) in 2014 indicate reducing traditional food intake is likely to exacerbate deficiencies in n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamins B12 and B2. Traditional foods accounted for < 5% of per-capita calories but up to 70% of nutrients consumed. Although consumption advisories could lower neurodevelopmental risks associated with an increase in MeHg exposure (90th-percentile ∆IQ = - 0.12 vs. - 0.34), they may lead to greater risks of cardiovascular mortality (90th-percentile increase: + 58% to + 116% vs. + 25%) and cancer mortality (90th-percentile increase + 2% to + 4% vs. no increase). Conversely, greater consumption of locally caught salmon mostly unaffected by hydroelectric flooding would lower all these risks (90th-percentile ∆IQ = + 0.4; cardiovascular risk: - 45%; cancer risk: - 1.4%). We thus conclude that continued consumption of traditional foods is essential for Inuit health in these communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan S D Calder
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.
| | - Sabri Bromage
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Elsie M Sunderland
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
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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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Lino AS, Kasper D, Guida YS, Thomaz JR, Malm O. Mercury and selenium in fishes from the Tapajós River in the Brazilian Amazon: An evaluation of human exposure. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2018; 48:196-201. [PMID: 29773181 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2018.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2018] [Revised: 03/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
This work aimed to evaluate associated risks of fish consumption to human health, concerning mercury (Hg) and selenium (Se) concentrations in fish species largely consumed in the Tapajós River basin in the Brazilian Amazon. Total mercury (THg), methylmercury (MeHg) and Se concentrations were measured in 129 fish specimens from four sites of the Tapajós River basin. Estimated daily intake (EDI) of Hg and Se were reported regarding fish consumption. EDI were compared with the reference value of provisional tolerable daily intake proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO). Se:Hg ratios and selenium health benefit values (Se HBVs) seem to offer a more comprehensive fish safety model. THg concentrations in fishes ranged from 0.03 to 1.51 μg g-1 of wet weight (w.w.) and MeHg concentrations ranged from 0.02 to 1.44 μg g-1 (w.w.). 80% of the samples were below the value of Hg recommended by the WHO for human consumption (0.5 μg g-1 w.w.). However, Hg EDI exceeded the dose suggested by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (0.1 μg kg-1 day-1), due to the large level of fish consumption in that area. Se concentrations in fishes ranged from 0.02 to 0.44 μg g-1 w.w. An inverse pattern was observed between Hg and Se concentrations in the trophic chain (highest levels of Se in the lowest trophic levels). The molar ratio Se:Hg and Se HBVs were higher in iliophagous and herbivorous fishes, which is noteworthy to reduce toxic effects of Hg contamination. For planktivores, the content of Se and Hg was almost equimolar. Carnivorous fishes - with the exception of Hemisorubim platyrhynchos and Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum -, showed Se:Hg ratios <1. Thus, they do not act as a favorable source of Se in the diet. Therefore, reduced intake of carnivorous fishes with preferential consumption of iliophages, herbivores and, to some extent, even planktivores should be promoted as part of a healthier diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- A S Lino
- Programa de Biofísica Ambiental, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21941-900 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - D Kasper
- Laboratório de Radioisótopos Eduardo Penna-Franca, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21941-900, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Y S Guida
- Laboratório de Radioisótopos Eduardo Penna-Franca, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21941-900, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - J R Thomaz
- Laboratório de Radioisótopos Eduardo Penna-Franca, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21941-900, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - O Malm
- Laboratório de Radioisótopos Eduardo Penna-Franca, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21941-900, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
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28
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Da Silva-Junior FMR, Oleinski RM, Azevedo AES, Monroe KCMC, Dos Santos M, Da Silveira TB, De Oliveira AMN, Soares MCF, Pereira TDS. Vulnerability associated with "symptoms similar to those of mercury poisoning" in communities from Xingu River, Amazon basin. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2018; 40:1145-1154. [PMID: 28578479 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-017-9993-7] [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: 02/24/2017] [Accepted: 05/30/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The Brazilian Amazon is known to be a region with high levels of mercury (Hg) in the environment and studies point to an association between high levels of natural mercury in the mother rock and the vast number of clandestine gold mines. Other studies already report the contamination of fish in this region, as well as high levels of Hg in biological material from environmentally exposed populations. On the other hand, this is one of the least developed regions of the planet and it is necessary to understand the vulnerability factors in these populations that may be intoxicated by this element. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the vulnerability factors in communities from Xingu River-Amazon basin probably exposed to Hg. A cross-selection study in two cities localized in Xingu River was conducted, and the sample contained was 268 individuals. sociodemographic questions, lifestyle, diet habits and health conditions were collated. The majority of the sample was female, between 30 and 59 years old, had less than 3 years of educational level and lived in the local of study more than 240 months. There was regular fish consumption (95.9%), principally carnivorous species (80.5%). The visual problem has a highest prevalence (43.3%) between the health problems and about the symptoms of Hg intoxication, memory loss (42.9%), weakness (35.1%), fatigue (34.3%), mood changes (28.7%) and difficulties in concentration (27.2%) was most reported. The female sex, age over 60, educational level below 3 years of study, did not had flush toilet, smoke and least one chronic non-communicable disease represent higher probability to had symptoms of Hg intoxication. Lack of access to health services, low education level and income evidence the susceptibility of this community to diseases and injuries. The vulnerable groups identified in this study should be a priority in public health and environmental health policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flávio Mnaoel Rodrigues Da Silva-Junior
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, Av. Itália km 8 Bairro Carreiros, Rio Grande, RS, 96203-900, Brazil.
- Programa de Pós graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, Campus Saúde: Rua Visconde de Paranaguá 102, Rio Grande, RS, 96203-900, Brazil.
| | - Ritta M Oleinski
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, Av. Itália km 8 Bairro Carreiros, Rio Grande, RS, 96203-900, Brazil
| | - Antonia E S Azevedo
- Laboratório de Ecologia, Faculdade de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Rua Coronel José Porfirio, 2515, Altamira, PA, 68372-040, Brazil
| | - Kátia C M C Monroe
- Laboratório de Ecologia, Faculdade de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Rua Coronel José Porfirio, 2515, Altamira, PA, 68372-040, Brazil
| | - Marina Dos Santos
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, Av. Itália km 8 Bairro Carreiros, Rio Grande, RS, 96203-900, Brazil
- Programa de Pós graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, Campus Saúde: Rua Visconde de Paranaguá 102, Rio Grande, RS, 96203-900, Brazil
| | - Tatiane Britto Da Silveira
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, Av. Itália km 8 Bairro Carreiros, Rio Grande, RS, 96203-900, Brazil
- Programa de Pós graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, Campus Saúde: Rua Visconde de Paranaguá 102, Rio Grande, RS, 96203-900, Brazil
| | - Adrianne Maria Netto De Oliveira
- Programa de Pós graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, Campus Saúde: Rua Visconde de Paranaguá 102, Rio Grande, RS, 96203-900, Brazil
| | - Maria Cristina Flores Soares
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, Av. Itália km 8 Bairro Carreiros, Rio Grande, RS, 96203-900, Brazil
- Programa de Pós graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, Campus Saúde: Rua Visconde de Paranaguá 102, Rio Grande, RS, 96203-900, Brazil
| | - Tatiana Da Silva Pereira
- Laboratório de Ecologia, Faculdade de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Rua Coronel José Porfirio, 2515, Altamira, PA, 68372-040, Brazil
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29
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Jia Q, Zhu X, Hao Y, Yang Z, Wang Q, Fu H, Yu H. Mercury in soil, vegetable and human hair in a typical mining area in China: Implication for human exposure. J Environ Sci (China) 2018; 68:73-82. [PMID: 29908747 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2017.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2017] [Revised: 04/09/2017] [Accepted: 05/12/2017] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Concentrations of total mercury (T-Hg) and methylmercury (MeHg) in soil, vegetables, and human hair were measured in a mercury mining area in central China. T-Hg and MeHg concentrations in soil ranged from 1.53 to 1054.97mg/kg and 0.88 to 46.52μg/kg, respectively. T-Hg concentrations was correlated with total organic carbon (TOC) content (R2=0.50, p<0.01) and pH values (R2=0.21, p<0.05). A significant linear relationship was observed between MeHg concentrations and the abundance of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) (R2=0.39, p<0.05) in soil. Soil incubation experiments amended with specific microbial stimulants and inhibitors showed that Hg methylation was derived from SRB activity. T-Hg and MeHg concentrations in vegetables were 24.79-781.02μg/kg and 0.01-0.18μg/kg, respectively; levels in the edible parts were significantly higher than in the roots (T-Hg: p<0.05; MeHg: p<0.01). Hg species concentrations in rhizosphere soil were positively correlated to those in vegetables (p<0.01), indicating that soil was an important source of Hg in vegetables. Risk assessment indicated that the consumption of vegetables could result in higher probable daily intake (PDI) of T-Hg than the provisional tolerable daily intake (PTDI) for both adults and children. In contrast, the PDI of MeHg was lower than the reference dose. T-Hg and MeHg concentrations in hair samples ranged from 1.57 to 12.61mg/kg and 0.04 to 0.94mg/kg, respectively, and MeHg concentration in hair positively related to PDI of MeHg via vegetable consumption (R2=0.39, p<0.05), suggesting that vegetable may pose health risk to local residents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Jia
- College of Water Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; Research Institute of Solid Waste Management, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China.
| | - Xuemei Zhu
- Research Institute of Solid Waste Management, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China.
| | - Yaqiong Hao
- Research Institute of Solid Waste Management, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Ziliang Yang
- Research Institute of Solid Waste Management, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Research Institute of Solid Waste Management, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Haihui Fu
- Research Institute of Solid Waste Management, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Hongjin Yu
- Research Institute of Solid Waste Management, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
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dos Santos Freitas J, da Costa Brito Lacerda EM, da Silva Martins ICV, Rodrigues D, Bonci DMO, Cortes MIT, Corvelo TCO, Ventura DF, de Lima Silveira LC, da Conceição Nascimento Pinheiro M, da Silva Souza G. Cross-sectional study to assess the association of color vision with mercury hair concentration in children from Brazilian Amazonian riverine communities. Neurotoxicology 2018; 65:60-67. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2018.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2016] [Revised: 02/06/2018] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Gombeau K, de Oliveira RB, Sarrazin SLF, Mourão RHV, Bourdineaud JP. Protective Effects of Plathymenia reticulata and Connarus favosus Aqueous Extracts against Cadmium- and Mercury-Induced Toxicities. Toxicol Res 2018; 35:25-35. [PMID: 30766655 PMCID: PMC6354948 DOI: 10.5487/tr.2019.35.1.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Revised: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 07/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The extracts of Plathymenia reticulata and Connarus favosus are widely used in the folk medicine. The potential protective effects of these extracts have been evaluated against cadmium in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and against mercurial contamination in zebrafish Danio rerio. In yeast, both extracts efficiently protected the Δycf1 mutant strain exposed to cadmium chloride restoring the growth, the expression of stress-response genes and decreasing the level of oxidative stress. In zebrafish, the supplementation of methylmercury-contaminated diet with both plant extracts similarly protected fish through the suppression of the methylmercury-induced lipid peroxidation, decrease of acetylcholinesterase activity, and restoring the expression levels of stress-response genes. This study particularly demonstrates the protective potential of both aqueous extracts against methylmercury, and could represent an interesting alternative for the Amazonian fish-eating communities to cope with the impact of chronic exposure to contaminated diets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kewin Gombeau
- University of Bordeaux, CNRS, UMR 5805, EPOC, Arcachon Marine Station, 33120 Arcachon, France
| | - Ricardo Bezerra de Oliveira
- Federal University of Western Pará - UFOPA, PPGRNA, LABBEX, Tapajós Campus, Rua Vera Paz s/n, Bairro Salé, CEP, 68040-050, Caranazal, 88040-060 Santarém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Sandra Layse Ferreira Sarrazin
- Federal University of Western Pará - UFOPA, PPGRNA, LABBEX, Tapajós Campus, Rua Vera Paz s/n, Bairro Salé, CEP, 68040-050, Caranazal, 88040-060 Santarém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Rosa Helena Veras Mourão
- Federal University of Western Pará - UFOPA, PPGRNA, LABBEX, Tapajós Campus, Rua Vera Paz s/n, Bairro Salé, CEP, 68040-050, Caranazal, 88040-060 Santarém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Jean-Paul Bourdineaud
- University of Bordeaux, CNRS, UMR 5805, EPOC, Arcachon Marine Station, 33120 Arcachon, France
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Rocha AV, Rita Cardoso B, Zavarize B, Almondes K, Bordon I, Hare DJ, Teixeira Favaro DI, Franciscato Cozzolino SM. GPX1 Pro198Leu polymorphism and GSTM1 deletion do not affect selenium and mercury status in mildly exposed Amazonian women in an urban population. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 571:801-808. [PMID: 27450956 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.07.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2016] [Revised: 07/08/2016] [Accepted: 07/08/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Mercury is potent toxicant element, but its toxicity can be reduced by forming a complex with selenium for safe excretion. Considering the impact of mercury exposure in the Amazon region and the possible interaction between these two elements, we aimed to assess the effects of Pro198Leu polymorphism to GPX1 and GSTM1 deletion, on mercury levels in a population from Porto Velho, an urban locality in the Brazilian Amazon region. Two hundred women from the capital city of Rondônia state were recruited for this study with 149 deemed suitable to participate. We assessed dietary intake using 24-hour recall. Selenium levels in plasma and erythrocytes were measured using hydride generation quartz tube atomic absorption spectroscopy and total hair mercury using cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry. Oxidative stress parameters (GPx activity, oxygen radical absorbency capacity [ORAC] and malondialdehyde [MDA]) were also analyzed. All participants were genotyped for Pro198Leu polymorphism and GSTM1 deletion. We observed that this population presented high prevalence of selenium deficiency, and also low levels of mercury, likely due to food habits that did not include selenium-rich food sources or significant consumption of fish (mercury biomagnifiers) regularly. Univariate statistical analysis showed that Pro198Leu and GSTM1 genotypes did not affect selenium and mercury levels in this population. Pro198Leu polymorphism and GSTM1 deletion had no effect on mercury levels in mildly exposed people, suggesting these genetic variants impact mercury levels only in highly exposed populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariana V Rocha
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Food and Experimental Nutrition, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Bárbara Rita Cardoso
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Food and Experimental Nutrition, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia.
| | - Bruna Zavarize
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Food and Experimental Nutrition, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Kaluce Almondes
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Food and Experimental Nutrition, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Isabella Bordon
- Laboratory of Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA), Research Reactor Centre, IPEN - Nuclear and Energy Research Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Dominic J Hare
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia; Elemental Bio-Imaging Facility, University of Technology Sydney, Broadway, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Déborah Inês Teixeira Favaro
- Laboratory of Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA), Research Reactor Centre, IPEN - Nuclear and Energy Research Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
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Marshall BG, Forsberg BR, Thomé-Souza M, Peleja R, Moreira MZ, Freitas CEC. Evidence of mercury biomagnification in the food chain of the cardinal tetra Paracheirodon axelrodi (Osteichthyes: Characidae) in the Rio Negro, central Amazon, Brazil. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2016; 89:220-240. [PMID: 27028984 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.12952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2015] [Accepted: 02/15/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
In this study, nitrogen stable isotope (δ(15) N) and total mercury (THg) analyses were conducted on algae, submersed and emergent macrophytes, shrubs and trees, Macrobrachium sp. and Paracheirodon axelrodi collected in three streams that drain a large interfluvial region in the middle Rio Negro, Amazonas State, Brazil. Samples were collected during different hydrological periods over 12 months in lower stream reaches and their headwaters; the latter being characterized by shallow, open-canopy swamps. Additionally, δ(15) N values and mercury concentrations of Paracheirodon simulans and Cichla spp. from the middle Rio Negro were analysed to demonstrate THg biomagnification in the food web. The highest mercury levels of P. axelrodi were found in small individuals, which were collected principally in the low water period. The log10 THg-δ(15) N relationship of vascular plants and algae, Macrobrachium sp., Paracheirodon spp. and Cichla spp. showed significant mercury biomagnification among trophic levels, with regression slopes of 0·15 and 0·25 for the entire food web and heterotrophs-only food web, respectively. The mean ± s.d. THg concentrations for Macrobrachium sp., P. axelrodi, P. simulans and Cichla spp. were 63·6 ± 23·7, 104·5 ± 40·0, 112·3 ± 31·4 and 418·5 ± 188·1 ng g(-1) wet mass, respectively. Elevated levels of mercury found in Paracheirodon spp. and top predators such as Cichla spp. in a remote area far from anthropogenic inputs provide evidence that high mercury concentrations occur naturally in Rio Negro aquatic food webs.
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Affiliation(s)
- B G Marshall
- Departamento de Ciências Pesqueiras nos Trópicos (CIPET), Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias (FCA), Universidade Federal do Amazonas (UFAM), Av. Gen. Rodrigo Otávio 3000, Japiim, Manaus, AM, 69077-000, Brazil
| | - B R Forsberg
- Coordenação de Pesquisas em Dinâmica Ambiental (CDAM), Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia (INPA), Caixa Postal 478, Manaus, AM, 69011-970, Brazil
| | - M Thomé-Souza
- Departamento de Engenharia de Pesca e Aquicultura, Centro de Ciências Agrárias Aplicadas, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, Cidade Universitária Prof. José Aloísio de Campos, São Cristóvão, SE, 49100-000, Brazil
| | - R Peleja
- Laboratório de Biologia Ambiental, Instituto de Ciências e Tecnologia das Águas (ICTA), Universidade Federal do Oeste do Pará (UFOPA), Av. Marechal Rondon, s/n, Bairro:Caranazal, Santarém, PA, 68040-070, Brazil
| | - M Z Moreira
- Centre for Nuclear Energy in Agriculture (CENA), University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, SP, 13416-000, Brazil
| | - C E C Freitas
- Departamento de Ciências Pesqueiras nos Trópicos (CIPET), Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias (FCA), Universidade Federal do Amazonas (UFAM), Av. Gen. Rodrigo Otávio 3000, Japiim, Manaus, AM, 69077-000, Brazil
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Abstract
CONTEXT Environmental mercury in the Amazon mostly originates from geochemical sources with some from artisanal gold mining (AGM). Geochemical-originated methylmercury (MeHg) reaches the aquatic food chain, ending up in fish. Inorganic Hg used in AGM is responsible for localised environmental contamination and occupational exposure of adults. In addition to this, iatrogenic ethylmercury (EtHg) derived from Thimerosal-containing vaccines (TCVs) exposes immunised infants. OBJECTIVE To understand Hg exposure in the Amazon in relation to environmental fish-MeHg exposure, occupational AGM activities and low-doses of TCV-EtHg. METHODS Medline and Thomson-Reuter Web of Science were searched to retrieve and select papers addressing Hg exposure and human health. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION Environmental-Hg studies addressed health effects associated with birth weight, infant linear growth and neurodevelopment, while, in adults, environmental and occupational studies addressed immune and neurological issues. No widespread clinical toxicity was reported due to fish-MeHg. However, mixed results associated with Hg exposure can be found. Reducing children's exposure to EtHg is possible using Thimerosal-free vaccines, but it is difficult to interfere with fish consumption without consequences to riverine subsistence populations. Policies to diminish Hg exposure should focus on controlling and/or curbing widespread use of Hg (in gold amalgamation) and promotion of Thimerosal-free vaccines for pregnant women and young children.
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Affiliation(s)
- José G Dórea
- a Universidade de Brasília , Brasília , DF , Brasil
| | - Rejane C Marques
- b Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro , Rio de Janeiro , RJ, Brasil
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Dufour DL, Piperata BA, Murrieta RSS, Wilson WM, Williams DD. Amazonian foods and implications for human biology. Ann Hum Biol 2016; 43:330-48. [DOI: 10.1080/03014460.2016.1196245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Darna L. Dufour
- Department of Anthropology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA
| | | | | | - Warren M. Wilson
- Department of Anthropology and Archaeology, University of Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Drake D. Williams
- Department of Anthropology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA
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Kumar N, Soni S, Singh T, Kumar A, Ahmad FJ, Bhatnagar A, Mittal G. Development and Optimization of Gastro-Retentive Controlled-Release Tablet of Calcium-Disodium Edentate and its In Vivo Gamma Scintigraphic Evaluation. AAPS PharmSciTech 2015; 16:1270-80. [PMID: 25771737 PMCID: PMC4666258 DOI: 10.1208/s12249-014-0272-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2014] [Accepted: 12/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Medical management of heavy metal toxicity, including radioactive ones, is a cause for concern because of their increased use in energy production, healthcare, and mining. Though chelating agents like EDTA and DTPA in parenteral form are available, no suitable oral formulation is there that can trap ingested heavy metal toxicants in the stomach itself, preventing their systemic absorption. The objective of the present study was to develop and optimize gastro-retentive controlled-release tablets of calcium-disodium edentate (Ca-Na2EDTA). Gastro-retentive tablet of Ca-Na2EDTA was prepared by direct compression method. Thirteen tablet formulations were designed using HPMC-K4M, sodium chloride, and carbopol-934 along with effervescing agents sodium bicarbonate and citric acid. Tablet swelling ability, in vitro buoyancy, and drug dissolution studies were conducted in 0.1 N HCl at 37 ± 0.5°C. Ca-Na2EDTA was radiolabeled with technetium-99m for scintigraphy-based in vivo evaluation. Formula F8 (Ca-Na2EDTA 200 mg, carbopol 100 mg, avicel 55 mg, citric acid 30 mg, NaHCO3 70 mg, NaCl 100 mg, and HPMC 95 mg) was found to be optimum in terms of excellent floating properties and sustained drug release. F8 fitted best for Korsmeyer-Peppas equation with an R (2) value of 0.993. Gamma scintigraphy in humans showed mean gastric retention period of 6 h. Stability studies carried out in accordance with ICH guidelines and analyzed at time intervals of 0, 1, 2, 4, and 6 months have indicated insignificant difference in tablet hardness, drug content, total floating duration, or matrix integrity of the optimized formulation. Gastro-retentive, controlled-release tablet of Ca-Na2EDTA was successfully developed using effervescent technique as a potential oral antidote for neutralizing ingested heavy metal toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neeraj Kumar
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences, Defence Research and Development Organisation, Brig. SK Mazumdar Road, Delhi, 110 054, India
| | - Sandeep Soni
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences, Defence Research and Development Organisation, Brig. SK Mazumdar Road, Delhi, 110 054, India
| | - Thakuri Singh
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences, Defence Research and Development Organisation, Brig. SK Mazumdar Road, Delhi, 110 054, India
| | - Amit Kumar
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences, Defence Research and Development Organisation, Brig. SK Mazumdar Road, Delhi, 110 054, India
| | | | - Aseem Bhatnagar
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences, Defence Research and Development Organisation, Brig. SK Mazumdar Road, Delhi, 110 054, India
| | - Gaurav Mittal
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences, Defence Research and Development Organisation, Brig. SK Mazumdar Road, Delhi, 110 054, India.
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González-Estecha M, Bodas-Pinedo A, Guillén-Pérez JJ, Rubio-Herrera MÁ, Martínez-Álvarez JR, Herráiz-Martínez MÁ, Martell-Claros N, Ordóñez-Iriarte JM, Sáinz-Martín M, Farré-Rovira R, Martínez-Astorquiza T, García-Donaire JA, Calvo-Manuel E, Bretón-Lesmes I, Prieto-Menchero S, Llorente-Ballesteros MT, Martínez-García MJ, Moreno-Rojas R, Salas-Salvadó J, Bermejo-Barrera P, Cuadrado-Cenzual MÁ, Gallardo-Pino C, Fuentes MB, Torres-Moreno M, Trasobares-Iglesias EM, Martín BB, Arroyo-Fernández M, Calle-Pascual A. Consensus document on the prevention of methylmercury exposure in Spain: Study group for the prevention of Me-Hg exposure in Spain (GEPREM-Hg). J Trace Elem Med Biol 2015; 32:122-34. [PMID: 26302920 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2015.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2015] [Accepted: 05/26/2015] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The beneficial effects of fish consumption in both children and adults are well known. However, the intake of methylmercury, mainly from contaminated fish and shellfish, can have adverse health effects. The study group on the prevention of exposure to methylmercury (GEPREM-Hg), made up of representatives from different Spanish scientific societies, has prepared a consensus document in a question and answer format, containing the group's main conclusions, recommendations and proposals. The objective of the document is to provide broader knowledge of factors associated with methylmercury exposure, its possible effects on health amongst the Spanish population, methods of analysis, interpretation of the results and economic costs, and to then set recommendations for fish and shellfish consumption. The group sees the merit of all initiatives aimed at reducing or prohibiting the use of mercury as well as the need to be aware of the results of contaminant analyses performed on fish and shellfish marketed in Spain. In addition, the group believes that biomonitoring systems should be set up in order to follow the evolution of methylmercury exposure in children and adults and perform studies designed to learn more about the possible health effects of concentrations found in the Spanish population, taking into account the lifestyle, eating patterns and the Mediterranean diet.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jordi Salas-Salvadó
- Spanish Federation of Nutrition, Food and Dietetics Societies (FESNAD), Spain
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Bourdineaud JP, Durrieu G, Sarrazin SLF, da Silva WCR, Mourão RHV, de Oliveira RB. Mercurial exposure of residents of Santarém and Oriximiná cities (Pará, Brazil) through fish consumption. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 22:12150-12161. [PMID: 25893626 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-015-4502-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2014] [Accepted: 04/06/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
A survey of the mercurial exposure of residents of Santarém and Oriximiná showed a differential mercurial impregnation between men and women. At the level of both cities, the mean hair mercury concentrations were 1.5 ± 0.5 (90th and 95th percentiles: 2.8 and 4.3) and 2.52 ± 0.09 μg g Hg/g (90th and 95th percentiles: 4.7 and 8.1) for women and men, respectively. The mercurial contamination appeared significantly closely linked to the daily amount of consumed fish. Carnivore species pescada branca (Plagioscion squamosissimus) and apapá (Pellona castelnaeana) and non-carnivore species pacú (Mylossoma duriventre) and aracú (Schizodon fasciatus) were consumed by 22, 19, 55 and 25% of people, respectively, and the mean mercury concentrations within fish flesh were 1.44 ± 0.11, 1.66 ± 0.19, 0.48 ± 0.09 and 0.49 ± 0.06 μg/g dry weight, respectively. Men aged above 35 were significantly more contaminated than those below. The mean hair concentrations of men were 5.20 ± 1.25 and 1.50 ± 0.22 μg/g, for those aged above 35 and below, respectively. The probability for women of childbearing age from both cities to present a hair mercury concentration above 1 μg Hg/g (corresponding to the US Environmental Protection Agency reference dose) was equal to 0.30 (95% confidence interval of 0.24-0.36). The probability of hair mercury concentration to be above the lowest observable adverse effect level (LOAEL) (0.3 μg Hg/g) was equal to 0.79 (95% confidence interval: 0.73-0.86).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Paul Bourdineaud
- University of Bordeaux, CNRS, UMR 5805, Arcachon Marine Station, Place du Dr Peyneau, 33120, Arcachon, France,
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Barcelos GRM, Souza MFD, Oliveira AÁSD, Lengert AVH, Oliveira MTD, Camargo RBDOG, Grotto D, Valentini J, Garcia SC, Braga GÚL, Cólus IMDS, Adeyemi J, Barbosa F. Effects of genetic polymorphisms on antioxidant status and concentrations of the metals in the blood of riverside Amazonian communities co-exposed to Hg and Pb. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2015; 138:224-232. [PMID: 25728017 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2015.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2014] [Revised: 02/10/2015] [Accepted: 02/14/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
There have been reports of genetic effects affecting the metabolism of Hg and Pb individually, and thus modulating their toxicities. However, there is still a knowledge gap with respect to how genetics may influence the toxicities of these toxic metals during a co-exposure scenario. This present study is therefore aimed at investigating the effects of polymorphisms in genes (GSTM1, GSTT1, GSTP1, GCLM, GCLC, GPx1, ALAD, VDR and MDR1) that have been implicated in Hg and Pb metabolisms affects the kinetics of these metals, as well as various blood antioxidant status parameters: MDA and GSH, and the activities of CAT, GPx and ALAD among populations that have been co-exposed to both Hg and Pb. Study subjects (207 men; 188 women) were from an Amazonian population in Brazil, exposed to Hg and Pb from diet. The blood levels of Hg and Pb were determined by ICP-MS while genotyping were performed by PCR assays. The median values of Hg and Pb in blood were 39.8µg/L and 11.0µg/dL, respectively. GSTM1, ALAD and VDR polymorphisms influenced Hg in blood (β=0.17; 0.37 and 0.17; respectively, p<0.050) while variations on GCLM, GSTT1 and MDR1 (TT) modulated the concentrations of Pb among the subjects (β=-0.14; 0.13 and -0.22; re-spectively, p<0.050). GSTT1 and GCLM polymorphisms also are associated to changes of MDA concentrations. Persons with null GSTM1 genotype had higher activity of the antioxidant enzyme CAT than carries of the allele. Individuals with deletion of both GSTM1 and GSTT1 had a decreased expression of GPx compared to those that expressed at least, one of the enzymes. ALAD 1/2 subjects had lower ALAD activity than individuals with the non-variant genotype. Our findings give further support that polymorphisms related to Hg and Pb metabolism may modulate Hg and Pb body burden and, consequently metals-induced toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Rafael Mazzaron Barcelos
- Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Avenida do Café s/no, CEP 14040-903 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
| | - Marilesia Ferreira de Souza
- Department of General Biology, Center for Biological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid km 380, CEP 86051-990 Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Andréia Ávila Soares de Oliveira
- Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Avenida do Café s/no, CEP 14040-903 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - André van Helvoort Lengert
- Department of General Biology, Center for Biological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid km 380, CEP 86051-990 Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Tempesta de Oliveira
- Department of General Biology, Center for Biological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid km 380, CEP 86051-990 Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | | | - Denise Grotto
- Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Avenida do Café s/no, CEP 14040-903 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Juliana Valentini
- Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Avenida do Café s/no, CEP 14040-903 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Solange Cristina Garcia
- School of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Ipiranga, 2752, CEP 90610-000, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Gilberto Úbida Leite Braga
- Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Avenida do Café s/no, CEP 14040-903 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Ilce Mara de Syllos Cólus
- Department of General Biology, Center for Biological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid km 380, CEP 86051-990 Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Joseph Adeyemi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Basic and Applied Sciences, Osun State University, P.M.B. 4494 Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Fernando Barbosa
- Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Avenida do Café s/no, CEP 14040-903 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
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Hoshino A, Pacheco-Ferreira H, Sanches SGG, Carvallo R, Cardoso N, Perez M, Câmara VDM. Mercury exposure in a riverside Amazon population, Brazil: a study of the ototoxicity of methylmercury. Int Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2015; 19:135-40. [PMID: 25992169 PMCID: PMC4399177 DOI: 10.1055/s-0034-1544115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2014] [Accepted: 12/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Mercury poisoning causes hearing loss in humans and animals. Acute and long-term exposures produce irreversible peripheral and central auditory system damage, and mercury in its various forms of presentation in the environment is ototoxic. Objective We investigated the otoacoustic emissions responses in a riverside population exposed to environmental mercury by analyzing the inhibitory effect of the medial olivocochlear system (MOCS) on transient otoacoustic emissions (TEOAE). Methods The purpose of the research was to evaluate the entire community independently of variables of sex and age. All of the participants were born and lived in a riverside community. After otolaryngologic evaluation, participants were received tympanometry, evaluation of contralateral acoustic reflexes, pure tone audiometry, and recording of TEOAEs with nonlinear click stimulation. Hair samples were collect to measure mercury levels. Results There was no significant correlation between the inhibitory effect of the MOCS, age, and the level of mercury in the hair. Conclusions The pathophysiological effects of chronic exposure may be subtle and nonspecific and can have a long period of latency; therefore, it will be important to monitor the effects of mercury exposure in the central auditory system of the Amazon population over time. Longitudinal studies should be performed to determine whether the inhibitory effect of the MOCS on otoacoustic emissions can be an evaluation method and diagnostic tool in populations exposed to mercury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Hoshino
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto de Estudos em Saúde Coletiva, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil ; Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (FMUSP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Nathália Cardoso
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto de Estudos em Saúde Coletiva, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Maurício Perez
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto de Estudos em Saúde Coletiva, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Montgomery SL, Vorojeikina D, Huang W, Mackay TFC, Anholt RRH, Rand MD. Genome-wide association analysis of tolerance to methylmercury toxicity in Drosophila implicates myogenic and neuromuscular developmental pathways. PLoS One 2014; 9:e110375. [PMID: 25360876 PMCID: PMC4215868 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0110375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2014] [Accepted: 09/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) is a persistent environmental toxin present in seafood that can compromise the developing nervous system in humans. The effects of MeHg toxicity varies among individuals, despite similar levels of exposure, indicating that genetic differences contribute to MeHg susceptibility. To examine how genetic variation impacts MeHg tolerance, we assessed developmental tolerance to MeHg using the sequenced, inbred lines of the Drosophila melanogaster Genetic Reference Panel (DGRP). We found significant genetic variation in the effects of MeHg on development, measured by eclosion rate, giving a broad sense heritability of 0.86. To investigate the influence of dietary factors, we measured MeHg toxicity with caffeine supplementation in the DGRP lines. We found that caffeine counteracts the deleterious effects of MeHg in the majority of lines, and there is significant genetic variance in the magnitude of this effect, with a broad sense heritability of 0.80. We performed genome-wide association (GWA) analysis for both traits, and identified candidate genes that fall into several gene ontology categories, with enrichment for genes involved in muscle and neuromuscular development. Overexpression of glutamate-cysteine ligase, a MeHg protective enzyme, in a muscle-specific manner leads to a robust rescue of eclosion of flies reared on MeHg food. Conversely, mutations in kirre, a pivotal myogenic gene identified in our GWA analyses, modulate tolerance to MeHg during development in accordance with kirre expression levels. Finally, we observe disruptions of indirect flight muscle morphogenesis in MeHg-exposed pupae. Since the pathways for muscle development are evolutionarily conserved, it is likely that the effects of MeHg observed in Drosophila can be generalized across phyla, implicating muscle as an additional hitherto unrecognized target for MeHg toxicity. Furthermore, our observations that caffeine can ameliorate the toxic effects of MeHg show that nutritional factors and dietary manipulations may offer protection against the deleterious effects of MeHg exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara L. Montgomery
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, United States of America
| | - Daria Vorojeikina
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, United States of America
| | - Wen Huang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Genetics Program, and W. M. Keck Center for Behavioral Biology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Trudy F. C. Mackay
- Department of Biological Sciences, Genetics Program, and W. M. Keck Center for Behavioral Biology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Robert R. H. Anholt
- Department of Biological Sciences, Genetics Program, and W. M. Keck Center for Behavioral Biology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Matthew D. Rand
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, United States of America
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Biomarkers of mercury exposure in the Amazon. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:867069. [PMID: 24895619 PMCID: PMC4020561 DOI: 10.1155/2014/867069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2013] [Accepted: 04/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Mercury exposure in the Amazon has been studied since the 1980s decade and the assessment of human mercury exposure in the Amazon is difficult given that the natural occurrence of this metal is high and the concentration of mercury in biological samples of this population exceeds the standardized value of normality established by WHO. Few studies have focused on the discovery of mercury biomarkers in the region's population. In this way, some studies have used genetics as well as immunological and cytogenetic tools in order to find a molecular biomarker for assessing the toxicological effect of mercury in the Amazonian population. Most of those studies focused attention on the relation between mercury exposure and autoimmunity and, because of that, they will be discussed in more detail. Here we introduce the general aspects involved with each biomarker that was studied in the region in order to contextualize the reader and add information about the Amazonian life style and health that may be considered for future studies. We hope that, in the future, the toxicological studies in this field use high technological tools, such as the next generation sequencing and proteomics skills, in order to comprehend basic questions regarding the metabolic route of mercury in populations that are under constant exposure, such as in the Amazon.
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Sheehan MC, Burke TA, Navas-Acien A, Breysse PN, McGready J, Fox MA. Global methylmercury exposure from seafood consumption and risk of developmental neurotoxicity: a systematic review. Bull World Health Organ 2014; 92:254-269F. [PMID: 24700993 PMCID: PMC3967569 DOI: 10.2471/blt.12.116152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 169] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2012] [Revised: 10/15/2013] [Accepted: 11/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine biomarkers of methylmercury (MeHg) intake in women and infants from seafood-consuming populations globally and characterize the comparative risk of fetal developmental neurotoxicity. METHODS A search was conducted of the published literature reporting total mercury (Hg) in hair and blood in women and infants. These biomarkers are validated proxy measures of MeHg, a neurotoxin found primarily in seafood. Average and high-end biomarkers were extracted, stratified by seafood consumption context, and pooled by category. Medians for average and high-end pooled distributions were compared with the reference level established by a joint expert committee of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO). FINDINGS Selection criteria were met by 164 studies of women and infants from 43 countries. Pooled average biomarkers suggest an intake of MeHg several times over the FAO/WHO reference in fish-consuming riparians living near small-scale gold mining and well over the reference in consumers of marine mammals in Arctic regions. In coastal regions of south-eastern Asia, the western Pacific and the Mediterranean, average biomarkers approach the reference. Although the two former groups have a higher risk of neurotoxicity than the latter, coastal regions are home to the largest number at risk. High-end biomarkers across all categories indicate MeHg intake is in excess of the reference value. CONCLUSION There is a need for policies to reduce Hg exposure among women and infants and for surveillance in high-risk populations, the majority of which live in low-and middle-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary C Sheehan
- Risk Sciences and Public Policy Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States of America (USA)
| | - Thomas A Burke
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA
| | - Ana Navas-Acien
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA
| | - Patrick N Breysse
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA
| | - John McGready
- Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA
| | - Mary A Fox
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA
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Fonseca MDF, De Souza Hacon S, Grandjean P, Choi AL, Bastos WR. Iron status as a covariate in methylmercury-associated neurotoxicity risk. CHEMOSPHERE 2014; 100:89-96. [PMID: 24411835 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2013.12.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2013] [Revised: 12/16/2013] [Accepted: 12/19/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Intrauterine methylmercury exposure and prenatal iron deficiency negatively affect offspring's brain development. Since fish is a major source of both methylmercury and iron, occurrence of negative confounding may affect the interpretation of studies concerning cognition. We assessed relationships between methylmercury exposure and iron-status in childbearing females from a population naturally exposed to methylmercury through fish intake (Amazon). We concluded a census (refuse <20%) collecting samples from 274 healthy females (12-49 years) for hair-mercury determination and assessed iron-status through red cell tests and determination of serum ferritin and iron. Reactive C protein and thyroid hormones was used for excluding inflammation and severe thyroid dysfunctions that could affect results. We assessed the association between iron-status and hair-mercury by bivariate correlation analysis and also by different multivariate models: linear regression (to check trends); hierarchical agglomerative clustering method (groups of variables correlated with each other); and factor analysis (to examine redundancy or duplication from a set of correlated variables). Hair-mercury correlated weakly with mean corpuscular volume (r=.141; P=.020) and corpuscular hemoglobin (r=.132; .029), but not with the best biomarker of iron-status, ferritin (r=.037; P=.545). In the linear regression analysis, methylmercury exposure showed weak association with age-adjusted ferritin; age had a significant coefficient (Beta=.015; 95% CI: .003-.027; P=.016) but ferritin did not (Beta=.034; 95% CI: -.147 to .216; P=.711). In the hierarchical agglomerative clustering method, hair-mercury and iron-status showed the smallest similarities. Regarding factor analysis, iron-status and hair-mercury loaded different uncorrelated components. We concluded that iron-status and methylmercury exposure probably occur in an independent way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Márlon de Freitas Fonseca
- Instituto Fernandes Figueira, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Rui Barbosa 716, Flamengo, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 22250-020, Brazil; Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, 401 Park Drive, Landmark Center Room 3-110 East, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
| | - Sandra De Souza Hacon
- Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública Sergio Arouca, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21040-900, Brazil.
| | - Philippe Grandjean
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, 401 Park Drive, Landmark Center Room 3-110 East, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, J.B. Winsløws Vej 17A/2, DK-5000 Odense C, Denmark.
| | - Anna Lai Choi
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, 401 Park Drive, Landmark Center Room 3-110 East, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Wanderley Rodrigues Bastos
- Laboratório de Biogeoquímica Ambiental Wolfgang Christian Pfeiffer, Universidade Federal de Rondônia, Rodovia BR 364 Km 9,5 Sentido Acre, Zona Rural, Porto Velho, RO 76801-974, Brazil.
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Marinho JS, Lima MO, Santos ECDO, de Jesus IM, Pinheiro MDCN, Alves CN, Muller RCS. Mercury speciation in hair of children in three communities of the Amazon, Brazil. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:945963. [PMID: 24734253 PMCID: PMC3966328 DOI: 10.1155/2014/945963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2013] [Accepted: 01/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Children from riverside communities located downstream of gold mining areas may be chronically exposed to relatively high levels of MeHg through the consumption of fish of this region. The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare levels of THg and MeHg in hair of children less than 12 years in communities near mines in the municipality of Itaituba and in communities far from prospecting areas in the city of Abaetetuba. The communities of Itaituba (Barreiras and São Luiz do Tapajós) had THg mean levels of 5.64±5.55 μg·g(-1) (0.43-27.82) and 11.41±7.16 μg.g(-1) (1.08-28.17), respectively, and an average count of MeHg relative to THg of 92.20% and 90.27%, respectively. In the Maranhão community, the THg average concentrations results were 2.27±2.11 μg·g(-1) (0.13-9.54) and the average values were 93.17% for MeHg. Children of Itaituba had average levels of mercury above the limit established by the World Health Organization (10 μg·g(-1)) and the strong correlation coefficient between the communities (R=0.968 and P=0.0001) suggests the hair as an excellent biomarker of human exposure to organic mercury in riverside populations of the Tapajós, which has the intake of fish daily as main source of protein dietary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamile Salim Marinho
- Evandro Chagas Institute, 316 Km, 07 Road, Levilândia, 67030-000 Ananindeua, PA, Brazil
- Federal University of Pará, 01 Augusto Corrêa Street, Guamá, 66075-110 Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Oliveira Lima
- Evandro Chagas Institute, 316 Km, 07 Road, Levilândia, 67030-000 Ananindeua, PA, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Cláudio Nahum Alves
- Federal University of Pará, 01 Augusto Corrêa Street, Guamá, 66075-110 Belém, PA, Brazil
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Cardoso NA, Hoshino ACH, Perez MA, Bastos WR, Carvalho DPD, Câmara VDM. Zumbido em uma população ribeirinha exposta ao metilmercúrio. AUDIOLOGY: COMMUNICATION RESEARCH 2014. [DOI: 10.1590/s2317-64312014000100008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Objetivo : Estudar a prevalência de zumbido, verificando se há associação entre a queixa desse sintoma e o teor de mercúrio e mensurar seu impacto na qualidade de vida. Métodos : Estudo seccional em toda a população do Lago do Puruzinho, localizada na margem esquerda do Rio Madeira, cidade de Humaitá, Estado do Amazonas, Brasil. Todos os residentes maiores de 18 anos, de ambos os gêneros, foram submetidos à anamnese, avaliação otorrinolaringológica e exame audiológico. Os indivíduos que apresentaram queixa de zumbido responderam à versão traduzida do questionário Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI). Também foram pesquisados os teores de mercúrio total no cabelo desses indivíduos. Resultados: Para análise dos resultados sobre a queixa de zumbido, os sujeitos foram divididos em dois grupos quanto à presença ou não de zumbido. O Grupo 1 foi composto por indivíduos que apresentaram queixa de zumbido e o Grupo 2, por indivíduos sem zumbido. Foi observado que 40% dos indivíduos apresentaram escores do THI compatíveis com handicap leve. A análise da associação da presença de zumbido com os teores de mercúrio total no cabelo mostrou que ambos os grupos apresentaram níveis elevados de mercúrio, porém não ocorreram diferenças entre os grupos. Conclusão : Um quarto dos ribeirinhos apresentou queixa de zumbido e exposição significativa ao mercúrio, mas não houve associação entre o zumbido e os níveis elevados de mercúrio.
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Genetic polymorphisms in glutathione (GSH-) related genes affect the plasmatic Hg/whole blood Hg partitioning and the distribution between inorganic and methylmercury levels in plasma collected from a fish-eating population. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:940952. [PMID: 24696865 PMCID: PMC3947838 DOI: 10.1155/2014/940952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2013] [Accepted: 01/08/2014] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to evaluate the effects of polymorphisms in glutathione (GSH-) related genes (GSTM1, GSTT1, GSTP1, GCLM, and GCLC) in the distribution of Hg in the blood compartments in humans exposed to methylmercury (MeHg). Subjects (n = 88), exposed to MeHg from fish consumption, were enrolled in the study. Hg species in the plasma compartment were determined by LC-ICP-MS, whereas genotyping was performed by PCR assays. Mean total Hg levels in plasma (THgP) and whole blood (THgB) were 10 ± 4.2 and 37 ± 21, whereas mean levels of plasmatic MeHg (MeHgP), inorganic Hg (IHgP), and HgP/HgB were 4.3 ± 2.9, 5.8 ± 2.3 µg/L, and 0.33 ± 0.15, respectively. GSTM1 and GCLC polymorphisms influence THgP and MeHgP (multivariate analyses, P < 0.050). Null homozygotes for GSTM1 showed higher THgP and MeHgP levels compared to subjects with GSTM1 (THgP β = 0.22, P = 0.035; MeHgP β = 0.30, P = 0.050) and persons carrying at least one T allele for GCLC had significant higher MeHgP (β = 0.59, P = 0.046). Also, polymorphic GCLM subjects had lower THgP/THgB than those with the nonvariant genotype. Taken together, data of this study suggest that GSH-related polymorphisms may change the metabolism of MeHg by modifying the distribution of mercury species iin plasma compartment and the HgP/HgB partitioning.
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Faniband M, Lindh CH, Jönsson BAG. Human biological monitoring of suspected endocrine-disrupting compounds. Asian J Androl 2014; 16:5-16. [PMID: 24369128 PMCID: PMC3901881 DOI: 10.4103/1008-682x.122197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2013] [Accepted: 06/14/2013] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Endocrine-disrupting compounds are exogenous agents that interfere with the natural hormones of the body. Human biological monitoring is a powerful method for monitoring exposure to endocrine disrupting compounds. In this review, we describe human biological monitoring systems for different groups of endocrine disrupting compounds, polychlorinated biphenyls, brominated flame retardants, phthalates, alkylphenols, pesticides, metals, perfluronated compounds, parabens, ultraviolet filters, and organic solvents. The aspects discussed are origin to exposure, metabolism, matrices to analyse, analytical determination methods, determinants, and time trends.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moosa Faniband
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Christian H Lindh
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Bo AG Jönsson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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Sampaio da Silva D, Lucotte M, Paquet S, Brux G, Lemire M. Inverse mercury and selenium concentration patterns between herbivorous and piscivorous fish in the Tapajos River, Brazilian Amazon. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2013; 97:17-25. [PMID: 23921221 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2013.06.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2012] [Revised: 06/23/2013] [Accepted: 06/24/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
We evaluated the levels of selenium and mercury in five fish species commonly eaten by local populations of the Brazilian Amazon. Fish specimens were sampled in two lotic and three lentic areas at two different phases of the hydrological cycle. Analyses of Carbon and Nitrogen stable isotopes allowed us to confirm the trophic levels of the fish species (one herbivorous, two omnivorous and two piscivorous) and verify that these levels remained unchanged with the habitats and the season. The levels of selenium and mercury in fish varied from 50ng/g to 1006ng/g and from 17ng/g to 3502ng/g respectively. For both seasons, fish from lotic ecosystems presented higher selenium concentrations. An inverse pattern was observed between selenium and mercury concentrations within the trophic chain, and this in both seasons. Indeed, the highest mean concentrations of selenium and lowest mean concentrations of mercury were measured in the herbivorous species and the opposite in the piscivorous species. Our results unequivocally demonstrate that local riverside populations will maximize the selenium health benefits of eating fish while minimizing their risk of being chronically exposed to mercury by preferentially consuming herbivorous species and to some extent omnivorous species, while avoiding piscivorous species.
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50
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Barcelos GRM, Grotto D, de Marco KC, Valentini J, Lengert AVH, de Oliveira AÁS, Garcia SC, Braga GÚL, Schläwicke Engström K, Cólus IMDS, Broberg K, Barbosa F. Polymorphisms in glutathione-related genes modify mercury concentrations and antioxidant status in subjects environmentally exposed to methylmercury. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2013; 463-464:319-325. [PMID: 23827356 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2013.06.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2013] [Revised: 06/04/2013] [Accepted: 06/05/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) toxicity may vary widely despite similar levels of exposure. This is hypothetically related to genetic differences in enzymes metabolizing MeHg. MeHg causes oxidative stress in experimental models but little is known about its effects on humans. The aims of the present study was to evaluate the effects of polymorphisms in glutathione (GSH)-related genes (GSTM1, GSTT1, GSTP1 and GCLM) on Hg concentrations in blood and hair, as well as MeHg-related effects on catalase (CAT) and glutathione-peroxidase (GPx) activity and GSH concentrations. Study subjects were from an Amazonian population in Brazil chronically exposed to MeHg from fish. Hg in blood and hair were determined by ICP-MS, CAT, GPx and GSH were determined by spectrophotometry, and multiplex PCR (GSTM1 and GSTT1) and TaqMan assays (GSTP1 and GCLM) were used for genotyping. Mean Hg concentrations in blood and hair were 48±36 μg/L and 14±10 μg/g. Persons with the GCLM-588 TT genotype had lower blood and hair Hg than did C-allele carriers (linear regression for Hg in blood β=-0.32, p=0.017; and hair β=-0.33; p=0.0090; adjusted for fish intake, age and gender). GSTM1*0 homozygous had higher blood (β=0.20; p=0.017) and hair Hg (hair β=0.20; p=0.013). Exposure to MeHg altered antioxidant status (CAT: β=-0.086; GSH: β=-0.12; GPx: β=-0.16; all p<0.010; adjusted for gender, age and smoking). Persons with GSTM1*0 had higher CAT activity in the blood than those with GSTM1. Our data thus indicate that some GSH-related polymorphisms, such as GSTM1 and GCLM may modify MeHg metabolism and Hg-related antioxidant effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Rafael Mazzaron Barcelos
- Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Avenida do Café s/no, CEP 14040-903, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
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