1
|
Bowen EC, Benedict KC, Sullivan JM, Baker KE, Schock ME, Walker ME. Surgical Management of Iatrogenic Mercury Poisoning From Subcutaneous Injection Into the Arm. Ann Plast Surg 2024; 93:205-207. [PMID: 39023409 DOI: 10.1097/sap.0000000000003988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mercury, an element with threats of severe toxic insult to humans and no biological function, has a surprisingly extensive record of human exposure. Regardless of hesitancies toward its harmfulness, it has been historically identified with an almost supernatural power to provide protection from evil and sickness, give good fortune, lend aid in athletic undertakings, or even allow one to achieve immortality. Mercury poisoning is an iatrogenic disease even today as people attempt to achieve these effects through volitional injections into their body by practitioners. Although an uncommon practice in the United States, awareness of patient presentation after volitional injections of elemental mercury is necessary for appropriate treatment of these patients. We aim to increase awareness of the cultural practice of subcutaneous injections of mercury, as it is uncommonly seen in the United States, to contribute a broader understanding to the patient's medical presentation and describe an approach and the impact of medical and surgical intervention. METHODS In this report, we describe a rare case of elemental mercury poisoning secondary to volitional subcutaneous injection to the arm. Initial management of care through chelation therapy and monitoring of renal and serum mercury levels in addition to symptoms of systemic spread was overseen by an internal medicine physician and poison control. Surgical intervention via full-thickness excision of the visible mercury to the right arm followed by local flap and skin grafting reconstruction was performed. CONCLUSIONS Mercury poisoning from intentional subcutaneous administration is an uncommon patient presentation in the United States; however, knowledge of management of this rare condition is important for effective management of iatrogenic mercury toxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Evan C Bowen
- From the Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Brodziak-Dopierała B, Fischer A, Ahnert B. Mercury Levels in Selected Medicines and Dietary Supplements in Poland. Biol Trace Elem Res 2024:10.1007/s12011-024-04269-3. [PMID: 38935258 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-024-04269-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Current trends are promoting youth, beauty, health, and fitness. Individuals often seek out remedies, such as medicines or dietary supplements (DS), to achieve these goals. However, highly processed foods, chronic stress, and environmental pollution contribute to the development of civilization diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the mercury (Hg) content in medicines and DS that are available in Poland. A total of 139 preparations were tested (75 drugs, 64 DS). The medicines contained preparations belonging to antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal; analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory; heart and blood vessel disease preventatives; respiratory tract infections treatment; diuretics; aiding digestion; supplements; antidiarrhoeals; anti-allergics; anti-rheumatics; antibiotics; and others. The tested dietary supplements had an effect on the following: improve the condition of skin, hair, and nails; vitamins; minerals; probiotics; weight loss; special for women; and others. The Hg content of the samples was determined using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). The Hg content of all the preparations varied widely (0.1-57.4 µg/kg), with a median Hg concentration of 1.2 µg/kg. The median Hg concentration for medicines was 0.8 µg/kg, prescription medicines having higher Hg concentrations (0.9 µg/kg) than over-the-counter (OTC) drugs (0.5 µg/kg). For DS, the Hg content was found to be higher than for drugs, at 2.0 µg/kg. The herbal preparations showed the highest Hg content among the individual DS groups (3.4 µg/kg). The Hg concentrations in the tested drug and DS samples did not exceed acceptable standards. However, if multiple pharmaceutical preparations are taken simultaneously over a long period of time, and there is existing environmental exposure, there is a possibility of Hg concentration accumulation and adverse health effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Brodziak-Dopierała
- Department of Toxicology, Toxicological Analysis and Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Medical University of Silesia, Ostrogórska 30 Str. 41-200, Sosnowiec, Poland.
| | - Agnieszka Fischer
- Department of Toxicology, Toxicological Analysis and Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Medical University of Silesia, Ostrogórska 30 Str. 41-200, Sosnowiec, Poland
| | - Bożena Ahnert
- Department of Toxicology, Toxicological Analysis and Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Medical University of Silesia, Ostrogórska 30 Str. 41-200, Sosnowiec, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kuo KY, Li YS, Huang P. Acute onset parkinsonism after consumption of traditional Chinese medicine: A cause for vigilance. Heliyon 2024; 10:e31628. [PMID: 38845905 PMCID: PMC11153092 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Mercury poisoning is a rare yet critical toxicological emergency, typically associated with chronic exposure. This case report details the unusual presentation of acute parkinsonism in a 66-year-old woman who had been ingesting black pills, an unidentified kind of traditional Chinese medicine, obtained from a pirate radio source. The patient displayed symptoms such as acute onset frequent falls, unsteady gait, and slow movements, prompting a detailed medical examination. The patient's neurological assessment revealed classic parkinsonian features, including mask face, cogwheel rigidity, and bradykinesia. Subsequent laboratory investigations disclosed an elevated blood mercury level (47 μg/L), and imaging studies, including 99mTc-TRODAT-1 SPECT, confirmed bilateral putamina dysfunction consistent with secondary parkinsonism. Traditional medications of Parkinsonism provided minimal relief, leading to the introduction of chelation therapy with dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA), resulting in a significant improvement in symptoms following a 20-day course. The discussion emphasizes the distinctive clinical manifestations of organic and inorganic mercury poisoning, underscoring the delayed onset and central nervous system involvement in organic mercury toxicity. The unidentified black pills, known to exceed mercury standards, were identified as the likely source of mercury poisoning in this case. This report acknowledges the potential reversibility of certain causes of acute parkinsonism and highlights the importance of a thorough drug history and toxicology assessment in patients presenting with acute parkinsonism. This report also contributes to the existing understanding of mercury-induced parkinsonism and emphasizes the significance of timely intervention in managing similar cases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ko-Ying Kuo
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Sheng Li
- Department of Neurology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Poyin Huang
- Department of Neurology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Neurology, Kaohsiung Municipal Siaogang Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Neuroscience Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Dysphagia Functional Reconstructive Center, Kaohsiung Municipal Siaogang Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Multidisciplinary Swallowing Center, Kaohsiung Municipal Siaogang Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wu G, Ren Z, Hao Q, Wong Y, Zha D, Cao X, Liu R. The mechanism of Zhenzhu Pills treating intracerebral hemorrhage secondary injury based on network pharmacology and molecular docking. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e36837. [PMID: 38363944 PMCID: PMC10869077 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000036837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) secondary injury is serious and affects patient's prognosis. The Zhenzhu Pills used to treat subacute ICH in Tibet has shown to have a certain curative effect. Network pharmacology and molecular docking technology are employed to explore the potential mechanism of Zhenzhu Pills. The components and potential targets of Zhenzhu Pills were screened from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology database. The Gene Expression Omnibus Series 24265 was used to screen differentially expressed genes between perihematomal tissue and normal brain. METHODS The herbs-components-targets network was established, with weighted eigenvalue to identify the core components and targets of Zhenzhu Pills treatment of ICH secondary injury. Targets' bioinformatics enrichment was proceeded by gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genome (KEGG) pathway analysis. Finally, molecular docking was used to identify the hydrogen bonding activity between the key components and action targets. RESULTS Five herbal drugs were screened from Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology database, with a total of 48 components and 234 targets. The Gene Expression Omnibus Series 24265 dataset was evaluated and 920 differentially expressed genes were identified. A total of 29 intersection targets of Zhenzhu Pills were explored in the treatment of ICH secondary injury. Drugs-components-targets network analysis showed that the pivotal targets were prostaglandin G/H synthase 2, interleukin 6, heme oxygenase-1, vascular endothelial growth factor, and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1, and the core components were quercetin, luteolin, and kaempferol. Gene ontology and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that biological processes such as cell chemotaxis, wound healing, leukocyte migration, and regulation of body fluid levels played an important role in the secondary injury of ICH. The results of KEGG pathway analysis were mainly related to advanced glycation end products-receptor for advanced glycation end products signal pathway and tumor necrosis factor signal pathway. Molecular docking of 3 flavonoids with 5 core targets with the results also showed active hydrogen bonding. CONCLUSIONS This study provides insights into the potential mechanisms of Zhenzhu Pills in the treatment of secondary injuries resulting from ICH and highlights specific components, targets, and molecular pathways involved in this therapeutic effect. These possible therapeutic mechanisms include inhibiting inflammation, edema, oxidative stress, and so on.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gang Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Zeng Ren
- Department of Neurosurgery, People’s Hospital of Tibet Autonomous Region, Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region, P.R. China
| | - Qingpei Hao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Yu Wong
- Department of Neurosurgery, People’s Hospital of Tibet Autonomous Region, Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region, P.R. China
| | - Duo Zha
- Department of Neurosurgery, People’s Hospital of Tibet Autonomous Region, Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region, P.R. China
| | - Xudong Cao
- Department of Neurosurgery, People’s Hospital of Tibet Autonomous Region, Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region, P.R. China
| | - Ruen Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Rebelo A, Almeida A, Peixe L, Antunes P, Novais C. Unraveling the Role of Metals and Organic Acids in Bacterial Antimicrobial Resistance in the Food Chain. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1474. [PMID: 37760770 PMCID: PMC10525130 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12091474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has a significant impact on human, animal, and environmental health, being spread in diverse settings. Antibiotic misuse and overuse in the food chain are widely recognized as primary drivers of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. However, other antimicrobials, such as metals and organic acids, commonly present in agri-food environments (e.g., in feed, biocides, or as long-term pollutants), may also contribute to this global public health problem, although this remains a debatable topic owing to limited data. This review aims to provide insights into the current role of metals (i.e., copper, arsenic, and mercury) and organic acids in the emergence and spread of AMR in the food chain. Based on a thorough literature review, this study adopts a unique integrative approach, analyzing in detail the known antimicrobial mechanisms of metals and organic acids, as well as the molecular adaptive tolerance strategies developed by diverse bacteria to overcome their action. Additionally, the interplay between the tolerance to metals or organic acids and AMR is explored, with particular focus on co-selection events. Through a comprehensive analysis, this review highlights potential silent drivers of AMR within the food chain and the need for further research at molecular and epidemiological levels across different food contexts worldwide.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andreia Rebelo
- UCIBIO—Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (A.R.); (L.P.)
- Associate Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- ESS, Polytechnic of Porto, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
| | - Agostinho Almeida
- LAQV/REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal;
| | - Luísa Peixe
- UCIBIO—Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (A.R.); (L.P.)
- Associate Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Patrícia Antunes
- UCIBIO—Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (A.R.); (L.P.)
- Associate Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Nutrition and Food Sciences (FCNAUP), University of Porto, 4150-180 Porto, Portugal
| | - Carla Novais
- UCIBIO—Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (A.R.); (L.P.)
- Associate Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Liu J, Krishnan UM, Wei L. Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutics of Minerals in Traditional Medicine 2021. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2023; 2023:9823746. [PMID: 37771952 PMCID: PMC10533240 DOI: 10.1155/2023/9823746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Liu
- Key Lab for Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education and Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Uma Maheswari Krishnan
- Centre for Nanotechnology & Advanced Biomaterials, School of Chemical & Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur 613 401, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Lixin Wei
- Qinghai Key Lab of Tibetan Medicine Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining 810008, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Guo Y, Lv Y, Liu X, Wang G. Association between heavy metal mercury in body fluids and tissues and diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2023; 11:114. [PMID: 36819500 PMCID: PMC9929836 DOI: 10.21037/atm-22-6404] [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: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Background Recent studies have shown that the relationship between mercury exposure and diabetes is controversial. The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between mercury exposure and diabetes using a systematic review and meta-analysis approach. Methods We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Embase databases for cross-sectional, case-control, or cohort studies assessing the correlation between mercury exposure and diabetes in any population. Details of each included study were extracted using a pre-designed Excel spreadsheet. Quality assessment of cohort and case-control studies used the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS), whereas cross-sectional studies were assessed by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) scale. Meta-analyses were performed using random-effects models to calculate the pooled odds ratio (OR), standardized mean difference (SMD), and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were employed to assess heterogeneity sources. Begg's and Egger's tests were used to evaluate publication bias. Results Our meta-analysis included 8 eligible articles, comprising a total of 40,891 subjects, reporting mercury OR and/or concentrations. Among the included studies, one was a case control, one was a cohort study, and the rest were cross-sectional studies. Two studies were rated as high quality and six as medium quality. The results revealed no link between mercury exposure and diabetes (OR: 1.11, 95% CI: 0.80, 1.55, n=6, I2=73.7%; and SMD: 0.41, 95% CI: -0.32, 1.14, n=3, I2=88.7%). In the stratified male and female subgroups, the pooled OR was 0.71 (95% CI: 0.57, 0.90, n=3, I2=0.0%), 1.11 (95% CI: 0.69, 1.79, n=3, I2=67.7%). The Begg's test results revealed no significant publication bias (P=0.06), but the Egger's test results did (P=0.013). The sensitivity analysis confirmed the stability of our results. Conclusions No significant relationship was observed between mercury and diabetes mellitus. However, more well-designed studies on mercury exposure and diabetes risk are still needed, particularly on the type of mercury (i.e., elemental, inorganic, and organic), exposure time and dose, type of biological specimen, and the population's sex and age.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yunran Guo
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - You Lv
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xinming Liu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Guixia Wang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Yan Z, Zong Y, Zhang C, Han Z, Wu L, Qin L, Liu T. Exploring the role of Tibetan medicinal formula Qishiwei Zhenzhu Pills (Ranasampel) against diabetes mellitus-linked cognitive impairment of db/db mice through serum pharmacochemistry and microarray data analysis. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:1033128. [PMID: 36620773 PMCID: PMC9814129 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.1033128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Diabetes cognitive impairment (DCI) is a common diabetic central nervous system disorder that severely affects the quality of life of patients. Qishiwei Zhenzhu Pills (Ranasampel) is a valuable Tibetan medicine formula with the ability to improve cerebral blood vessels, protect nerves and improve learning and memory, which has also been widely verified in clinical and basic research. Currently, the prevention and treatment of DCI are still in the exploratory research stage, and the use of Ranasampel will provide new ideas and insights for its treatment. Objective This study is to explore the absorbed components in serum derived from Ranasampel using serum pharmacochemistry, then identify the potential mechanism of Ranasampel for the treatment of DCI through bioinformatics and microarray data validation. Methods The UPLC-Q-Exactive MS/MS-based serum pharmacochemistry method was conducted to identify the main active components in serum containing Ranasampel. Then, these components were used to predict the possible biological targets of Ranasampel and explore the potential targets in treating DCI by overlapping with differentially expressed genes (DEGs) screened from Gene Expression Omnibus datasets. Afterward, the protein-protein interaction network, enrichment analyses, hub gene identification, and co-expression analysis were used to study the potential mechanism of Ranasampel. Particularly, the hub genes and co-expression transcription factors were further validated using hippocampal expression profiles of db/db mice treated with Ranasampel, while the Morris water-maze test and H&E staining were used to assess the spatial learning and memory behaviors and histopathological changes. Results Totally, 40 compounds derived from Ranasampel had been identified by serum sample analysis, and 477 genes related to these identified compounds in Ranasampel, 110 overlapping genes were collected by the intersection of Ranasampel target genes and DEGs. Further comprehensive analysis and verification emphasized that the mechanism of Ranasampel treatment of DCI may be related to the improvement of learning and memory function as well as insulin resistance, hyperglycemia-induced neuronal damage, and neuroinflammation. Conclusion This study provided useful strategies to explore the potential material basis for compound prescriptions such as Ranasampel. These hub genes and common pathways also provided new ideas for further study of therapeutic targets of DCI and the pharmacological mechanism of Ranasampel.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyi Yan
- Dongfang Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China,Key Laboratory of Health-Cultivation, Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yonghua Zong
- Key Laboratory of Health-Cultivation, Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China,Department of Tibetan Medicine, University of Tibetan Medicine, Lhasa, China
| | - Chengfei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Health-Cultivation, Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Zekun Han
- Key Laboratory of Health-Cultivation, Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Lili Wu
- Key Laboratory of Health-Cultivation, Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Lingling Qin
- Key Laboratory of Health-Cultivation, Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Tonghua Liu
- Key Laboratory of Health-Cultivation, Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China,*Correspondence: Tonghua Liu,
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Determination of Hg(II) and Methylmercury by Electrothermal Atomic Absorption Spectrometry after Dispersive Solid-Phase Microextraction with a Graphene Oxide Magnetic Material. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 28:molecules28010014. [PMID: 36615211 PMCID: PMC9822199 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28010014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The toxicity of all species of mercury makes it necessary to implement analytical procedures capable of quantifying the different forms this element presents in the environment, even at very low concentrations. In addition, due to the assorted environmental and health consequences caused by each mercury species, it is desirable that the procedures are able to distinguish these forms. In nature, mercury is mainly found as Hg0, Hg2+ and methylmercury (MeHg), with the latter being rapidly assimilated by living organisms in the aquatic environment and biomagnified through the food chain. In this work, a dispersive solid-phase microextraction of Hg2+ and MeHg is proposed using as the adsorbent a magnetic hybrid material formed by graphene oxide and ferrite (Fe3O4@GO), along with a subsequent determination by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS). On the one hand, when dithizone at a pH = 5 is used as an auxiliary agent, both Hg(II) and MeHg are retained on the adsorbent. Next, for the determination of both species, the solid collected by the means of a magnet is suspended in a mixture of 50 µL of HNO3 (8% v/v) and 50 µL of H2O2 at 30% v/v by heating for 10 min in an ultrasound thermostatic bath at 80 °C. On the other hand, when the sample is set at a pH = 9, Hg(II) and MeHg are also retained, but if the solid collected is washed with N-acetyl-L-cysteine only, then the Hg(II) remains on the adsorbent, and can be determined as indicated above. The proposed procedure exhibits an enrichment factor of 49 and the determination presents a linear range between 0.1 and 10 µg L-1 of mercury. The procedure has been applied to the determination of mercury in water samples from different sources.
Collapse
|
10
|
Wu X, Zhong Z, Lin K, Liu X, Wu Z, Liu Z, Li Y. Comparative pharmacokinetics and urinary excretion of arsenic and mercury after oral administration of realgar, cinnabar and AnGongNiuHuang Pill to rats. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:967608. [PMID: 36110533 PMCID: PMC9470115 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.967608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Realgar- and cinnabar-containing AnGongNiuHuang Pill (AGNHP) is widely used for treating encephalopathy syndrome. However, it raises great safety concerns due to the adverse effects reported by arsenic or mercury poisoning. Although AGNHP has been generally recognized, little is known about the metabolism of arsenic and mercury and their resulting potential health risk in vivo. Thus, comparative pharmacokinetics and urinary excretion of arsenic and mercury were conducted in rats after oral administration of realgar, cinnabar and AGNHP, respectively. The contents of arsenic and mercury in rat blood and urine were determined by hydride-generation atomic fluorescence spectrometry (HG-AFS) after wet digestion. AGNHP significantly reduced the absorption of arsenic in blood and promoted urinary arsenic excretion. Whereas, it increased the blood mercury absorption and reduced urinary mercury excretion. No significant toxicity was observed in the clinical dose range of AGNHP. However, excessive exposure to arsenic and mercury may still pose risks especially by long-term or excessive medication. The results are helpful for the rational clinical applications of realgar- and cinnabar-containing TCMs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Wu
- *Correspondence: Xiao Wu, ; Yongming Li,
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|