1
|
da Silva MC, Basta PC, Hofer CB, de Oliveira MAF, Kempton JW, de Oliveira RAA, de Vasconcellos ACS, Perini JA. The GSTP1 rs1695 Polymorphism Is Associated with Mercury Levels and Neurodevelopmental Delay in Indigenous Munduruku Children from the Brazilian Amazon. TOXICS 2024; 12:441. [PMID: 38922121 PMCID: PMC11209255 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12060441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Genetic polymorphisms may influence mercury (Hg) toxicity. The aims of this study were to evaluate individual factors, such as the presence of the GSTP1 rs1695 polymorphism, associated with internal Hg dose and child neurodevelopment in indigenous people from the Brazilian Amazon chronically exposed to Hg. Eighty-two indigenous children were clinically evaluated, hair Hg was measured, and the GSTP1 rs1695 polymorphism was genotyped. The mean age was 4.8 years, the median Hg was 5.5 µg/g, and 93.8% of children exceeded the safe limit (2.0 µg/g). Fish consumption was associated with Hg levels (p = 0.03). The GSTP1 rs1695 A>G polymorphism was in the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and the highest prevalence of the GSTP1 AA genotype (80%) was found in Sawré Aboy, which had the highest Hg levels (10 µg/g) among the studied villages. The Hg levels tended to increase over the years in males and in carriers of the GSTP1 AA genotype (0.69 µg/g and 0.86 µg/g, respectively). Nine children failed the neurodevelopmental test, all of whom had Hg > 2.0 µg/g, and 88.9% carried the GSTP1 AA or AG genotypes, previously associated with the highest internal Hg doses and neurocognitive disorders. The genetic counseling of this population is important to identify the individuals at greater risk for neurodevelopmental disorders resulting from chronic Hg exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mayara Calixto da Silva
- Research Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Sciences (LAPESF), State University of Rio de Janeiro (West Zone-UERJ-ZO), Rio de Janeiro 23070-200, RJ, Brazil
- Program of Post-Graduation in Public Health and Environment, National School of Public Health (ENSP), Oswald Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil;
| | - Paulo Cesar Basta
- Program of Post-Graduation in Public Health and Environment, National School of Public Health (ENSP), Oswald Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil;
- Department of Endemic Diseases Samuel Pessoa, National School of Public Health (ENSP), Oswald Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro 21041-210, RJ, Brazil
| | - Cristina Barroso Hofer
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-630, RJ, Brazil;
| | - Mirian Akiko Furutani de Oliveira
- Psychology Division, Central Institute of the Hospital das Clínicas, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo (DIP/ICHC-FMUSP), São Paulo 05403-000, SP, Brazil;
| | | | | | - Ana Claudia Santiago de Vasconcellos
- Laboratory of Professional Education in Health Surveillance, Polytechnic School of Health Joaquim Venâcio (EPSJV), Oswald Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil;
| | - Jamila Alessandra Perini
- Research Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Sciences (LAPESF), State University of Rio de Janeiro (West Zone-UERJ-ZO), Rio de Janeiro 23070-200, RJ, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Carvalho VHV, Rodrigues JCG, Vinagre LWMS, Pereira EEB, Monte N, Fernandes MR, Ribeiro-Dos-Santos AM, Guerreiro JF, Ribeiro-Dos-Santos Â, Dos Santos SEB, Dos Santos NPC. Genomic investigation on genes related to mercury metabolism in Amazonian indigenous populations. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 923:171232. [PMID: 38402986 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171232] [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: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Studies have identified elevated levels of mercury in Amazonian Indigenous individuals, highlighting them as one of the most exposed to risks. In the unique context of the Brazilian Indigenous population, it is crucial to identify genetic variants with clinical significance to better understand vulnerability to mercury and its adverse effects. Currently, there is a lack of research on the broader genomic profile of Indigenous people, particularly those from the Amazon region, concerning mercury contamination. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the genomic profile related to the processes of mercury absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion in 64 Indigenous individuals from the Brazilian Amazon. We aimed to determine whether these individuals exhibit a higher susceptibility to mercury exposure. Our study identified three high-impact variants (GSTA1 rs1051775, GSTM1 rs1183423000, and rs1241704212), with the latter two showing a higher frequency in the study population compared to global populations. Additionally, we discovered seven new variants with modifier impact and a genomic profile different from the worldwide populations. These genetic variants may predispose the study population to more harmful mercury exposure compared to global populations. As the first study to analyze broader genomics of mercury metabolism pathways in Brazilian Amazonian Amerindians, we emphasize that our research aims to contribute to public policies by utilizing genomic investigation as a method to identify populations with a heightened susceptibility to mercury exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Victor Hugo Valente Carvalho
- Núecleo de Pesquisas em Oncologia, Unidade de Alta Complexidade em Oncologia, Hospital Universitário João de Barros Barreto, 66073-005 Belém, Pará, Brazil.
| | - Juliana Carla Gomes Rodrigues
- Núecleo de Pesquisas em Oncologia, Unidade de Alta Complexidade em Oncologia, Hospital Universitário João de Barros Barreto, 66073-005 Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Lui Wallacy Morikawa Souza Vinagre
- Núecleo de Pesquisas em Oncologia, Unidade de Alta Complexidade em Oncologia, Hospital Universitário João de Barros Barreto, 66073-005 Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Esdras Edgar Batista Pereira
- Núecleo de Pesquisas em Oncologia, Unidade de Alta Complexidade em Oncologia, Hospital Universitário João de Barros Barreto, 66073-005 Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Natasha Monte
- Núecleo de Pesquisas em Oncologia, Unidade de Alta Complexidade em Oncologia, Hospital Universitário João de Barros Barreto, 66073-005 Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Marianne Rodrigues Fernandes
- Núecleo de Pesquisas em Oncologia, Unidade de Alta Complexidade em Oncologia, Hospital Universitário João de Barros Barreto, 66073-005 Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - André Maurício Ribeiro-Dos-Santos
- Laboratório de Genética Humana e Médica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, 66075-110, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - João Farias Guerreiro
- Laboratório de Genética Humana e Médica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, 66075-110, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Ândrea Ribeiro-Dos-Santos
- Laboratório de Genética Humana e Médica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, 66075-110, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Sidney Emanuel Batista Dos Santos
- Núecleo de Pesquisas em Oncologia, Unidade de Alta Complexidade em Oncologia, Hospital Universitário João de Barros Barreto, 66073-005 Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Ney Pereira Carneiro Dos Santos
- Núecleo de Pesquisas em Oncologia, Unidade de Alta Complexidade em Oncologia, Hospital Universitário João de Barros Barreto, 66073-005 Belém, Pará, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
de Castro Moita MD, da Silva Júnior FMR, da Silva Pereira T, Marinho RB, Vitorio EO, Pellegrino ÉFC, da Conceição Nascimento Pinheiro M, Santos OS. Mercury exposure in riverine populations of Terra do Meio Extractive Reserves in the Xingu basin, Amazon, Brazil. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2024; 46:88. [PMID: 38367142 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-024-01853-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
Amazon is a hotspot for mercury (Hg) contamination and Terra do Meio region, despite its protected status for sustainable use, has never been monitored for this element. Looking to address this gap, this study aimed to quantify capillary Hg concentration in riverine populations of Terra do Meio (Xingu Basin, Central Amazon, Brazil) and associated factors with high Hg levels (90 percentile). Hair samples from 182 individuals from Iriri, Riozinho do Anfrísio and Xingu Extractive Reserves (RESEX), aged between 18 and 70 years old, were collected to measure total mercury levels (HgT), and socioeconomic, demographic, and clinical-epidemiological data were annotated. Overall, high levels of Hg were observed (mean 4.985 µg/g, median 3.531 µg/g) with significant differences between localities. Among the factors related to high capillary Hg levels, male gender, smoking habit, work in agriculture, livestock or extractivism, and residence in Iriri and Riozinho do Anfrísio RESEX were highlighted. A high prevalence of symptoms related to Hg intoxication, including anxiety, memory deficit, and lower limb problems, was observed. Overall, the results reveal that communities in these RESEXs are exposed to Hg and appear to be suffering from chronic health effects. Considering the increased anthropogenic alterations observed recently in the Amazon region and the subsequent amplified environmental bioavailability of Hg, further studies and mitigating actions are critical. This includes better surveillance of illegal anthropic activities and provision of ongoing education on this matter and incentives for dietary adaptations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tatiana da Silva Pereira
- Universidade Federal do Pará - Campus Altamira, Rua Coronel José Porfírio, 2515, Altamira, PA, CEP: 68372-040, Brazil
| | - Renatta Barbosa Marinho
- Universidade Federal do Pará - Campus Altamira, Rua Coronel José Porfírio, 2515, Altamira, PA, CEP: 68372-040, Brazil
| | - Emanuely Oliveira Vitorio
- Universidade Federal do Pará - Campus Altamira, Rua Coronel José Porfírio, 2515, Altamira, PA, CEP: 68372-040, Brazil
| | | | | | - Ozélia Sousa Santos
- Universidade Federal do Pará - Campus Altamira, Rua Coronel José Porfírio, 2515, Altamira, PA, CEP: 68372-040, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Crespo-Lopez ME, Barthelemy JL, Lopes-Araújo A, Santos-Sacramento L, Leal-Nazaré CG, Soares-Silva I, Macchi BM, do Nascimento JLM, Arrifano GDP, Augusto-Oliveira M. Revisiting Genetic Influence on Mercury Exposure and Intoxication in Humans: A Scoping Review. TOXICS 2023; 11:967. [PMID: 38133368 PMCID: PMC10747380 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11120967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Human intoxication to mercury is a worldwide health problem. In addition to the type and length of exposure, the genetic background plays an important role in mercury poisoning. However, reviews on the genetic influence in mercury toxicity are scarce and not systematic. Therefore, this review aimed to systematically overview the most recent evidence on the genetic influence (using single nucleotide polymorphisms, SNPs) on human mercury poisoning. Three different databases (PubMed/Medline, Web of Science and Scopus) were searched, and 380 studies were found that were published from 2015 to 2022. After applying inclusion/exclusion criteria, 29 studies were selected and data on characteristics (year, country, profile of participants) and results (mercury biomarkers and quantitation, SNPs, main findings) were extracted and analyzed. The largest number of studies was performed in Brazil, mainly involving traditional populations of the Tapajós River basin. Most studies evaluated the influence of the SNPs related to genes of the glutathione system (GST, GPx, etc.), the ATP-binding cassette transporters and the metallothionein proteins. The recent findings regarding other SNPs, such as those of apolipoprotein E and brain-derived neurotrophic factor genes, are also highlighted. The importance of the exposure level is discussed considering the possible biphasic behavior of the genetic modulation phenomena that could explain some SNP associations. Overall, recommendations are provided for future studies based on the analysis obtained in this scoping review.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Elena Crespo-Lopez
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil (L.S.-S.); (C.G.L.-N.)
| | - Jean Ludger Barthelemy
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil (L.S.-S.); (C.G.L.-N.)
| | - Amanda Lopes-Araújo
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil (L.S.-S.); (C.G.L.-N.)
| | - Leticia Santos-Sacramento
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil (L.S.-S.); (C.G.L.-N.)
| | - Caio Gustavo Leal-Nazaré
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil (L.S.-S.); (C.G.L.-N.)
| | - Isabela Soares-Silva
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil (L.S.-S.); (C.G.L.-N.)
| | - Barbarella M. Macchi
- Laboratório de Neuroquímica Molecular e Celular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil (J.L.M.d.N.)
| | - José Luiz M. do Nascimento
- Laboratório de Neuroquímica Molecular e Celular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil (J.L.M.d.N.)
| | - Gabriela de Paula Arrifano
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil (L.S.-S.); (C.G.L.-N.)
| | - Marcus Augusto-Oliveira
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil (L.S.-S.); (C.G.L.-N.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
da Silva MC, de Oliveira RAA, de Vasconcellos ACS, Rebouças BH, Pinto BD, Lima MDO, de Jesus IM, Machado DE, Hacon SS, Basta PC, Perini JA. Chronic Mercury Exposure and GSTP1 Polymorphism in Munduruku Indigenous from Brazilian Amazon. TOXICS 2023; 11:138. [PMID: 36851015 PMCID: PMC9965510 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11020138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Genetic polymorphisms may be involved with mercury levels and signs and symptoms of intoxication from this exposure. Therefore, the aims were to describe the frequency of the GSTP1 polymorphism and to evaluate its effects on mercury levels and neurological signs in three Munduruku indigenous villages in the Brazilian Amazon. One-hundred-and-seven indigenous (over 12 years old) were included and genotyped (rs1695) using a TaqMan validated assay. Then, associations were evaluated by binary logistic regression, using odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Mean age was 27.4 ± 13.9 years old, 52.3% were male, mean hair mercury concentration was 8.5 ± 4.3, exceeding the reference limit (≥6.0 µg/g), and were different among the three villages: 13.5 ± 4.6 µg/g in Sawré Aboy, 7.4 ± 2.3 µg/g in Poxo Muybu and 6.9 ± 3.5 µg/g in Sawré Muybu. The minor allele frequency of GSTP1 G was significantly different among the villages: 57% Sawré Muybu, 21% Poxo Muybu and 15% Sawré Aboy. Finally, after adjustment, GSTP1 GG and GA genotypes were associated with lower levels of Hg (OR = 0.13; CI95% = 0.03-0.49) and abnormal somatosensory signs (OR = 3.7; 95%IC = 1.5-9.3), respectively. In conclusion, monitoring this population is imperative to identify individuals at higher risk of developing signs of chronic mercury exposure based on the genetic profile.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mayara Calixto da Silva
- Research Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Sciences (LAPESF), State University of Rio de Janeiro (West Zone-UERJ-ZO), Rio de Janeiro 23070-200, Brazil
- Program of Post-Graduation in Public Health and Environment, National School of Public Health (ENSP), Oswald Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
| | | | - Ana Claudia Santiago de Vasconcellos
- Laboratory of Professional Education in Health Surveillance, Polytechnic School of Health Joaquim Venâcio (EPSJV), Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Bruno Hojo Rebouças
- Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 01246-903, Brazil
| | - Bruna Duarte Pinto
- Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 01246-903, Brazil
| | - Marcelo de Oliveira Lima
- Environment Section (SEAMB), Evandro Chagas Institute (IEC), Health Surveillance Secretariat (SVS), Ministry of Health (MS), Ananindeua 67030-000, Brazil
| | - Iracina Maura de Jesus
- Environment Section (SEAMB), Evandro Chagas Institute (IEC), Health Surveillance Secretariat (SVS), Ministry of Health (MS), Ananindeua 67030-000, Brazil
| | - Daniel Escorsim Machado
- Research Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Sciences (LAPESF), State University of Rio de Janeiro (West Zone-UERJ-ZO), Rio de Janeiro 23070-200, Brazil
| | - Sandra Souza Hacon
- Department of Endemic Diseases Samuel Pessoa, ENSP, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro 21041-210, Brazil
| | - Paulo Cesar Basta
- Program of Post-Graduation in Public Health and Environment, National School of Public Health (ENSP), Oswald Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
- Department of Endemic Diseases Samuel Pessoa, ENSP, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro 21041-210, Brazil
| | - Jamila Alessandra Perini
- Research Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Sciences (LAPESF), State University of Rio de Janeiro (West Zone-UERJ-ZO), Rio de Janeiro 23070-200, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Perini JA, da Silva MC, Correa LV, Silva YM, Borges RM, Moreira MDFR. Chronic Cadmium Exposure and Genetic Polymorphisms of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in a Population Exposed to Steel Slag in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: A Cross-Sectional Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:15304. [PMID: 36430020 PMCID: PMC9691087 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192215304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Genetic polymorphisms in the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) family genes may be associated with cadmium (Cd) levels and its adverse effects. This study investigated the impact of MMP-2 and MMP-9 polymorphisms on Cd levels in 238 residents of a condominium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, built over an industrial steel slag waste. Polymorphisms were genotyped using TaqMan validated assays, and the Cd levels were measured in blood (BCd) and urine (UCd) samples by atomic absorption spectrometry. Associations were evaluated by linear correlation coefficients and multiple logistic regression, using odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Mean age was 50 ± 15 years; 58% were female, 69% non-smokers. Mean concentrations for BCd and UCd were 0.70 ± 0.2 μg L-1 and 0.56 ± 0.55 μg L-1, respectively. Smoking status was associated with BCd ≥ 0.70 μg L-1 (OR = 2.9; 95% CI = 1.6-5.9). MMP-9 rs17576 A > G was associated with BCd ≥ 0.70 μg L-1 (OR = 2.11; 95% CI = 1.10-4.05) and UCd ≥ 0.56 μg L-1 (OR = 3.38; 95% CI = 1.82-7.65). Knowing possible individual predisposing factors is essential to understand Cd toxicity, and to improve the monitoring of high-risk populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jamila A. Perini
- Laboratório de Pesquisa de Ciências Farmacêuticas—LAPESF, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência e Tecnologia Ambiental, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Av. Manuel Caldeira de Alvarenga, 1.203, Rio de Janeiro 23070-200, RJ, Brazil
| | - Mayara C. da Silva
- Laboratório de Pesquisa de Ciências Farmacêuticas—LAPESF, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência e Tecnologia Ambiental, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Av. Manuel Caldeira de Alvarenga, 1.203, Rio de Janeiro 23070-200, RJ, Brazil
| | - Lorena V. Correa
- Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública Sergio Arouca, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (ENSP/Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro 21041-210, RJ, Brazil
| | - Yasmin M. Silva
- Laboratório de Pesquisa de Ciências Farmacêuticas—LAPESF, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência e Tecnologia Ambiental, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Av. Manuel Caldeira de Alvarenga, 1.203, Rio de Janeiro 23070-200, RJ, Brazil
| | - Renato M. Borges
- Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública Sergio Arouca, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (ENSP/Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro 21041-210, RJ, Brazil
| | - Maria de Fátima R. Moreira
- Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública Sergio Arouca, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (ENSP/Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro 21041-210, RJ, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Meneses HDNDM, Oliveira-da-Costa M, Basta PC, Morais CG, Pereira RJB, de Souza SMS, Hacon SDS. Mercury Contamination: A Growing Threat to Riverine and Urban Communities in the Brazilian Amazon. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19052816. [PMID: 35270508 PMCID: PMC8910171 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19052816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
In recent decades, widespread and uncontrolled use of mercury (Hg) in artisanal small-scale gold mining has released thousands of tons of mercury-contaminated waste in the Amazon biome, endangering the largest tropical rainforest worldwide. In this study, we assessed and compared blood Hg levels in individuals living in urban and riverine areas in the lower Tapajós basin and examined the association between Hg exposure and specific biochemical parameters. In total, 462 adults from eight riverine communities and one urban area were assessed. Overall, 75.6% of the participants exhibited Hg concentrations exceeding the safe limit (10 µg/L). Hg exposure was higher in the riverine population (90%) than in urban areas (57.1%). Mean Hg levels were 21.8 ± 30.9 µg/L and 50.6 µg/L in urban and riverine residents, respectively. The mean Hg level was higher in those aged 41–60 years in both urban and riparian areas, with riparian residents exhibiting a mean double that of urban residents. The highest glucose and hepatic biomarker levels were detected in the urban area, whereas the highest levels of renal biomarker occurred in the riverine population. Our results indicate that Hg contamination remains a persistent challenge for the urban population of Santarém, a major city in the Brazilian Amazon.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heloisa 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, Unidade Tapajós, 68035-110 Santarém, Brazil; (C.G.M.); (R.J.B.P.)
- Correspondence:
| | | | - Paulo Cesar Basta
- Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública Sérgio Arouca, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rua Leopoldo Bulhões, 1480, Manguinhos, 21041-210 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; (P.C.B.); (S.d.S.H.)
| | - Cristiano Gonçalves Morais
- 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, Unidade Tapajós, 68035-110 Santarém, Brazil; (C.G.M.); (R.J.B.P.)
| | - Romulo Jorge Batista Pereira
- 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, Unidade Tapajós, 68035-110 Santarém, Brazil; (C.G.M.); (R.J.B.P.)
| | - Suelen Maria Santos de Souza
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Sociedade Natureza e Desenvolvimento (PPGSND), Universidade Federal do Oeste do Pará, Rua Vera Paz Av. Vera Paz, s/n, Bairro Salé, 1° Pavimento, Unidade Tapajós, 68035-110 Santarém, Brazil;
| | - Sandra de Souza Hacon
- Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública Sérgio Arouca, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rua Leopoldo Bulhões, 1480, Manguinhos, 21041-210 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; (P.C.B.); (S.d.S.H.)
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Kempton JW, Périssé ARS, Hofer CB, de Vasconcellos ACS, de Sousa Viana PV, de Oliveira Lima M, de Jesus IM, de Souza Hacon S, Basta PC. An Assessment of Health Outcomes and Methylmercury Exposure in Munduruku Indigenous Women of Childbearing Age and Their Children under 2 Years Old. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:10091. [PMID: 34639393 PMCID: PMC8508331 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph181910091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
In line with the 1000-day initiative and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 2 and 3, we present a cross-sectional analysis of maternal health, infant nutrition, and methylmercury exposure within hard-to-reach indigenous communities in the state of Pará, Brazilian Amazon. We collected data from all women of childbearing age (i.e., 12-49) and their infants under two years old in three Munduruku communities (Sawré Muybu, Sawré Aboy, and Poxo Muybu) along the Tapajos River. We explored health outcomes through interviews, vaccine coverage and clinical assessment, and determined baseline hair methylmercury (H-Hg) levels. Hemoglobin, infant growth (Anthropometric Z scores) and neurodevelopment tests results were collected. We found that 62% of women of childbearing age exceeded the reference limit of 6.0 μg/g H-Hg (median = 7.115, IQR = 4.678), with the worst affected community (Sawré Aboy) registering an average H-Hg concentration of 12.67 μg/g. Half of infants aged under 24 months presented with anemia. Three of 16 (18.8%) infants presented H-Hg levels above 6.0 µg/g (median: 3.88; IQR = 3.05). Four of the 16 infants were found to be stunted and 38% of women overweight, evidencing possible nutritional transition. No infant presented with appropriate vaccination coverage for their age. These communities presented with an estimated Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) of 86.7/1000 live births. The highest H-Hg level (19.6 µg/g) was recorded in an 11-month-old girl who was found to have gross motor delay and anemia. This already vulnerable indigenous Munduruku community presents with undernutrition and a high prevalence of chronic methylmercury exposure in women of childbearing age. This dual public health crisis in the context of wider health inequalities has the potential to compromise the development, health and survival of the developing fetus and infant in the first two critical years of life. We encourage culturally sensitive intervention and further research to focus efforts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - 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;
| | - Ana Claudia Santiago de Vasconcellos
- Laboratório de Educação Profissional em Vigilância em Saúde, Escola Politécnica de Saúde Joaquim Venân-cio, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (EPSJV/Fiocruz), Av. Brasil, 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil;
| | - Paulo Victor de Sousa Viana
- Centro de Referência Professor Hélio Fraga, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (CRPHF/ENSP/Fiocruz), Estrada de Curicica, 2000, Curicica, Rio de Janeiro 22780-195, Brazil;
| | - 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.)
| | - 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.)
| | - 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.)
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Basta PC, Viana PVDS, Vasconcellos ACSD, Périssé ARS, Hofer CB, Paiva NS, Kempton JW, Ciampi de Andrade D, Oliveira RAAD, Achatz RW, Perini JA, Meneses HDNDM, Hallwass G, Lima MDO, Jesus IMD, Santos CCRD, 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: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [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.
Collapse
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
| | - 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
| | - 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
| | - 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
| | - 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
| | - 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
| | - 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
| |
Collapse
|