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Kang B, Wang J, Guo S, Yang L. Mercury-induced toxicity: Mechanisms, molecular pathways, and gene regulation. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 943:173577. [PMID: 38852866 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173577] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Mercury is a well-known neurotoxicant for humans and wildlife. The epidemic of mercury poisoning in Japan has clearly demonstrated that chronic exposure to methylmercury (MeHg) results in serious neurological damage to the cerebral and cerebellar cortex, leading to the dysfunction of the central nervous system (CNS), especially in infants exposed to MeHg in utero. The occurrences of poisoning have caused a wide public concern regarding the health risk emanating from MeHg exposure; particularly those eating large amounts of fish may experience the low-level and long-term exposure. There is growing evidence that MeHg at environmentally relevant concentrations can affect the health of biota in the ecosystem. Although extensive in vivo and in vitro studies have demonstrated that the disruption of redox homeostasis and microtube assembly is mainly responsible for mercurial toxicity leading to adverse health outcomes, it is still unclear whether we could quantitively determine the occurrence of interaction between mercurial and thiols and/or selenols groups of proteins linked directly to outcomes, especially at very low levels of exposure. Furthermore, intracellular calcium homeostasis, cytoskeleton, mitochondrial function, oxidative stress, neurotransmitter release, and DNA methylation may be the targets of mercury compounds; however, the primary targets associated with the adverse outcomes remain to be elucidated. Considering these knowledge gaps, in this article, we conducted a comprehensive review of mercurial toxicity, focusing mainly on the mechanism, and genes/proteins expression. We speculated that comprehensive analyses of transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics could enhance interpretation of "omics" profiles, which may reveal specific biomarkers obviously correlated with specific pathways that mediate selective neurotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bolun Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, 100012 Beijing, China
| | - Jinghan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, 100012 Beijing, China
| | - Shaojuan Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, 100012 Beijing, China
| | - Lixin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, 100012 Beijing, China.
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2
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de Carvalho Machado C, Dinis-Oliveira RJ. Clinical and Forensic Signs Resulting from Exposure to Heavy Metals and Other Chemical Elements of the Periodic Table. J Clin Med 2023; 12:2591. [PMID: 37048674 PMCID: PMC10095087 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12072591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Several heavy metals and other chemical elements are natural components of the Earth's crust and their properties and toxicity have been recognized for thousands of years. Moreover, their use in industries presents a major source of environmental and occupational pollution. Therefore, this ubiquity in daily life may result in several potential exposures coming from natural sources (e.g., through food and water contamination), industrial processes, and commercial products, among others. The toxicity of most chemical elements of the periodic table accrues from their highly reactive nature, resulting in the formation of complexes with intracellular compounds that impair cellular pathways, leading to dysfunction, necrosis, and apoptosis. Nervous, gastrointestinal, hematopoietic, renal, and dermatological systems are the main targets. This manuscript aims to collect the clinical and forensic signs related to poisoning from heavy metals, such as thallium, lead, copper, mercury, iron, cadmium, and bismuth, as well as other chemical elements such as arsenic, selenium, and fluorine. Furthermore, their main sources of occupational and environmental exposure are highlighted in this review. The importance of rapid recognition is related to the fact that, through a high degree of suspicion, the clinician could rapidly initiate treatment even before the toxicological results are available, which can make a huge difference in these patients' outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina de Carvalho Machado
- Department of Public Health and Forensic Sciences, and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Jorge Dinis-Oliveira
- Department of Public Health and Forensic Sciences, and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- TOXRUN—Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS), CESPU, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
- UCIBIO-REQUIMTE-Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- MTG Research and Development Lab, 4200-604 Porto, Portugal
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3
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Engineering single-atom Pd sites in ZIF-derived porous Co3O4 for enhanced elementary mercury removal. Sep Purif Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2022.123050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Güven D, Özbek İ. Characteristics, Treatment, and Prognosis of Elemental Mercury Intoxication in Children: A Single-Center Retrospective Study. Pediatr Emerg Care 2022; 38:481-488. [PMID: 36066601 DOI: 10.1097/pec.0000000000002834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Mercury exposure is common and can be toxic, especially in children. Children are often drawn to elemental mercury because of its density, color, and proclivity to form beads. METHODS We present data on 49 children with mercury intoxication (MI) and 60 children with mercury exposure from Turkey. RESULTS The most common source of mercury was broken thermometer in schools. Inhaling mercury vapor was the most common route of exposure. The median exposure time was 6 (6-16) hours in the MI group, and the time to 1st symptoms was 10 (0-24) hours. In the MI group, the median blood mercury level was 21 μg/L (13-32.3), the median spot urine mercury level was 40 μg/L (7.66-78), and the median 24-hour urine mercury level was 25.8 μg/L (11-64). The most common symptoms in patients with MI were malaise, muscle pain, muscle cramps, abdominal pain, nausea, headache, and decreased appetite. The patients were treated with n-acetyl cysteine, 2,3-dimercaptopropane sulfonic acid, D-penicillamine, and meso 2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid. A positive correlation was found between exposure time and urinary mercury level in the MI group (r = 0.793, P < 0.001). A positive moderate correlation was found between exposure time and blood level in the mercury exposure group (r = 0.535, P < 0.00). The neurological and systemic examinations of patients were all normal at the 1st follow-up visit 1 month after discharge. CONCLUSIONS Diagnosis, removal of the exposure source, and use of chelation therapy can result in complete resolution of the signs and symptoms of MI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deniz Güven
- From the Department of Pediatrics, University of Health Sciences, Ankara Atatürk Sanatorium Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - İmran Özbek
- Department of Pediatrics, Ankara Gazi Mustafa Kemal Occupational and Environmental Diseases Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
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Perini JA, Silva MC, de Vasconcellos ACS, Viana PVS, Lima MO, Jesus IM, Kempton JW, Oliveira RAA, Hacon SS, Basta PC. Genetic Polymorphism of Delta Aminolevulinic Acid Dehydratase ( ALAD) Gene and Symptoms of Chronic Mercury Exposure in Munduruku Indigenous Children within the Brazilian Amazon. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:8746. [PMID: 34444495 PMCID: PMC8394242 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18168746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Genetic polymorphisms involved in mercury toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics may be associated with severe mercury toxicity. This study aimed to investigate the impact of an ALAD polymorphism on chronic mercury exposure and the health situation of indigenous children from the Brazilian Amazon. One-hundred-and-three indigenous children (under 15 years old) were included and genotyped (rs1800435) using a TaqMan validated assay. The mean age was 6.6 ± 4.5 years old, 60% were female, 49% presented with anemia, and the mean hair mercury concentration was 7.0 ± 4.5 (1.4-23.9) µg/g, with 49% exceeding the reference limit (≥6.0 µg/g). Only two children were heterozygous ALAD, while the others were all wild type. Minor allele frequency (ALAD G) and heterozygous genotype (ALAD CG) were 1% and 2%, respectively. The two children (12 and 14 years old) with the ALAD polymorphism had mercury levels above the average as well as had neurological symptoms related to chronic mercury exposure, such as visual field alterations, memory deficit, distal neuropathy, and toe amyotrophy. Both children also reported frequent consumption of fish in the diet, at least three times a week. In conclusion, our data confirm that an ALAD polymorphism can contribute to mercury half-life time, harmful effects, and neuropsychological disorders in indigenous children with chronic mercury exposure to gold mining activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- 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, RJ, Brazil; (J.A.P.); (M.C.S.)
| | - Mayara Calixto Silva
- 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, RJ, Brazil; (J.A.P.); (M.C.S.)
| | - 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. Brasil, 4365-Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil;
| | - Paulo Victor 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, RJ, Brazil;
| | - Marcelo 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, Ananindeua 67030-000, PA, Brazil; (M.O.L.); (I.M.J.)
| | - Iracina Maura 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, Ananindeua 67030-000, PA, Brazil; (M.O.L.); (I.M.J.)
| | - Joseph William Kempton
- Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Medical School Building, St Mary’s Hospital, Norfolk Place, London W2 1PG, UK;
| | | | - Sandra 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, RJ, Brazil;
| | - 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, RJ, Brazil;
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE Elemental mercury is a toxic liquid element that is used widely in the home, medicine, agriculture, and industry. It is readily vaporized and inhaled at room temperature. Thereby, inhalation can cause acute or chronic poisoning. Mercury can be found in environmental naturally find but some dangers sources give rise to contaminations. It can be very dangerous to all living organisms, especially children. METHODS This study presents the features of mercury poisoning in a group of pediatric cases. Data were obtained for 29 pediatric cases exposed to elemental mercury in a high school chemistry laboratory in Turkey. Patients with a blood mercury level exceeding 10 μg/L or a urine mercury level exceeding 15 μg/L were considered to have mercury poisoning. The patients were treated with 2,3-dimercaptopropane sulfonic acid or D-penicillamine. RESULTS Twenty-nine children with mercury poisoning were admitted to the hospital. The median duration of exposure was 58 (range, 15-120) minutes. Ten (29%) children were asymptomatic. Physical and neurological examinations were normal in 19 (65.5%) children. The most common presenting complaint was headache. The most common neurological abnormality, partly dilated/dilated pupils, was present in 9 (31%) children. Mercury levels were measured in blood samples every 5 days, and the median blood mercury level was 51.98 (range, 24.9-86.4) μg/L. There was a positive correlation between the duration of exposure and maximum blood/urine mercury levels (P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Elemental mercury exposure is potentially toxic; its symptomatology varies, especially in children. Secure storage of mercury and other toxic substances and provision of information about this subject to individuals who might be exposed to mercury and their families might help to prevent mercury poisoning.
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Cortes J, Peralta J, Díaz‐Navarro R. Acute respiratory syndrome following accidental inhalation of mercury vapor. Clin Case Rep 2018; 6:1535-1537. [PMID: 30147899 PMCID: PMC6099007 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.1656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2018] [Revised: 05/19/2018] [Accepted: 05/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the manufacture of glass mercury thermometers is now prohibited, they are still present in daily life and represent a source of accidental mercury intoxication. Physicians should be able to recognize the clinical manifestations of mercury poisoning caused by accidental exposure and know the appropriate treatment for this toxicological emergency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Cortes
- Departamento de Medicina InternaUniversidad de ValparaísoViña del MarChile
| | - Jaime Peralta
- Departamento de Medicina InternaUniversidad de ValparaísoViña del MarChile
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Abstract
RATIONALE Metallic mercury poisoning through intravenous injection is rare, especially for a homicide attempt. Diagnosis and treatment of the disease are challenging. PATIENT CONCERNS A 34-year-old male presented with pyrexia, chill, fatigue, body aches, and pain of the dorsal aspect of right foot. Another case is that of a 29-year-old male who committed suicide by injecting himself metallic mercury 15 g intravenously and presented with dizzy, dyspnea, fatigue, sweatiness, and waist soreness. DIAGNOSIS The patient's condition in case 1 was deteriorated after initial treatment. Imaging studies revealed multiple high-density spots throughout the body especially in the lungs. On further questioning, the patient's girlfriend acknowledged that she injected him about 40 g mercury intravenously 11 days ago. The diagnosis was then confirmed with a urinary mercury concentration of 4828 mg/L. INTERVENTIONS Surgical excision, continuous blood purification, plasma exchange, alveolar lavage, and chelation were performed successively in case 1. Blood irrigation and chelation therapy were performed in case 2. OUTCOMES The laboratory test results and organ function of the patient in case 1 gradually returned to normal. However, in case 2, the patient's dyspnea was getting worse and he finally died due to toxic encephalopathy and respiratory failure. LESSONS Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are critical for intravenous mercury poisoning. It should be concerned about the combined use of chelation agents and other treatments, such as surgical excision, hemodialysis and plasma exchange in clinical settings.
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Kabir KM, Ippolito SJ, Kandjani AE, Sabri YM, Bhargava SK. Nano-engineered surfaces for mercury vapor sensing: Current state and future possibilities. Trends Analyt Chem 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2016.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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10
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Tekin A. Attenuated Heart Rate Recovery in Mercury-Exposed Individuals. Med Princ Pract 2017; 26:94-95. [PMID: 27710959 PMCID: PMC5588328 DOI: 10.1159/000452247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Tekin
- *Abdullah Tekin, Department of Cardiology, Başkent University, TR–06810 Yüreğir, Adana (Turkey), E-Mail
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11
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Sabri YM, Kabir KMM, Boom E, Rosenberg S, Ippolito SJ, Bhargava SK. Mercury Detection in Real Industrial Flue Gas Using a Nanostructured Quartz Crystal Microbalance. Ind Eng Chem Res 2016. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.iecr.6b01628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ylias M. Sabri
- Centre for Advanced Materials & Industrial Chemistry (CAMIC), School of Science, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia
| | - K. M. Mohibul Kabir
- Centre for Advanced Materials & Industrial Chemistry (CAMIC), School of Science, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia
| | - Eric Boom
- South32 Worsley
Alumina Pty Ltd, Perth, Western
Australia 6000, Australia
| | | | - Samuel J. Ippolito
- Centre for Advanced Materials & Industrial Chemistry (CAMIC), School of Science, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia
- School
of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia
| | - Suresh K. Bhargava
- Centre for Advanced Materials & Industrial Chemistry (CAMIC), School of Science, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia
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Uysalol M, Parlakgül G, Yılmaz Y, Çıtak A, Uzel N. A 3 Year-Old Male Child Ingested Approximately 750 Grams of Elemental Mercury. Balkan Med J 2016; 33:467-9. [PMID: 27606146 DOI: 10.5152/balkanmedj.2016.15197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2015] [Accepted: 08/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The oral ingestion of elemental mercury is unlikely to cause systemic toxicity, as it is poorly absorbed through the gastrointestinal system. However, abnormal gastrointestinal function or anatomy may allow elemental mercury into the bloodstream and the peritoneal space. Systemic effects of massive oral intake of mercury have rarely been reported. CASE REPORT In this paper, we are presenting the highest single oral intake of elemental mercury by a child aged 3 years. A Libyan boy aged 3 years ingested approximately 750 grams of elemental mercury and was still asymptomatic. CONCLUSION The patient had no existing disease or abnormal gastrointestinal function or anatomy. The physical examination was normal. His serum mercury level was 91 µg/L (normal: <5 µg/L), and he showed no clinical manifestations. Exposure to mercury in children through different circumstances remains a likely occurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Metin Uysalol
- Department of Pediatrics, İstanbul University İstanbul School of Medicine, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Güneş Parlakgül
- Department of Pediatrics, İstanbul University İstanbul School of Medicine, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Yasin Yılmaz
- Department of Pediatrics, İstanbul University İstanbul School of Medicine, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Agop Çıtak
- Department of Pediatrics, İstanbul University İstanbul School of Medicine, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Nedret Uzel
- Department of Pediatrics, İstanbul University İstanbul School of Medicine, İstanbul, Turkey
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Karakulak UN, Gündüzöz M, Tutkun E, Yılmaz ÖH. An arrhythmic episode after mercury exposure and successful treatment with chelation therapy: A case report. Anatol J Cardiol 2016; 15:589-90. [PMID: 26139172 PMCID: PMC5337042 DOI: 10.5152/akd.2015.6282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
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Kabir KMM, Sabri YM, Matthews GI, Jones LA, Ippolito SJ, Bhargava SK. Selective detection of elemental mercury vapor using a surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensor. Analyst 2016; 140:5508-17. [PMID: 26065560 DOI: 10.1039/c5an00360a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The detection of elemental mercury (Hg(0)) within industrial processes is extremely important as it is the first major step in ensuring the efficient operation of implemented mercury removal technologies. In this study, a 131 MHz surface acoustic wave (SAW) delay line sensor with gold electrodes was tested towards Hg(0) vapor (24 to 365 ppbv) with/without the presence of ammonia (NH3) and humidity (H2O), as well as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as acetaldehyde (MeCHO), ethylmercaptan (EM), dimethyl disulfide (DMDS) and methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), which are all common interfering gas species that co-exist in many industrial applications requiring mercury monitoring. The developed sensor exhibited a detection limit of 0.7 ppbv and 4.85 ppbv at 35 and 55 °C, respectively. Furthermore, a repeatability of 97% and selectivity of 92% in the presence of contaminant gases was exhibited by the sensor at the chosen operating temperature of 55 °C. The response magnitude of the developed SAW sensor towards different concentrations of Hg(0) vapor fitted well with the Langmuir extension isotherm (otherwise known as loading ratio correlation (LRC)) which is in agreement with our basic finite element method (FEM) work where an LRC isotherm was observed for a simplified model of the SAW sensor responding to different Hg contents deposited on the Au based electrodes. Overall, the results indicate that the developed SAW sensor can be a potential solution for online selective detection of low concentrations of Hg(0) vapor found in industrial stack effluents.
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Affiliation(s)
- K M Mohibul Kabir
- Mercury Management and Chemical Sensing Laboratory (MMCSL), Centre for Advanced Materials & Industrial Chemistry (CAMIC), School of Applied Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia
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Rangel-Méndez JA, Arcega-Cabrera FE, Fargher LF, Moo-Puc RE. Mercury levels assessment and its relationship with oxidative stress biomarkers in children from three localities in Yucatan, Mexico. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 543:187-196. [PMID: 26580741 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.10.152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2015] [Revised: 10/26/2015] [Accepted: 10/29/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a global pollutant that is released into the environment from geologic and anthropogenic sources. Once it enters an organism, it generates several toxicity mechanisms and oxidative stress has been proposed as the main one. Metal susceptibility is greater in children, which is a result of their physiology and behavior. In Yucatan, Mexico, burning of unregulated garbage dumps and household trash, ingestion of top marine predators, and pottery manufacturing are among the conditions that could promote Hg exposure. However, for Yucatan, there are no published studies that report Hg levels and associated oxidative stress status in children. Therefore, this study aimed to assess Hg levels in blood and urine and oxidative stress biomarkers levels in a sample of 107 healthy children from three localities in Yucatan, Mexico, as well as investigate the relationship between these parameters. Hg was detected in 11 (10.28%) of blood samples and 38 (35.51%) of urine samples collected from the participating children. Fourteen subjects showed Hg above recommended levels. The oxidative stress biomarkers were slightly elevated in comparison with other studies and were statistically different between the sampling sites. No linear correlation between Hg levels and oxidative stress biomarkers was found. Nevertheless, exploratory univariate and multivariate analysis showed non-linear relations among the measured variables. Globally, the study provides, for the first time, information regarding Hg levels and their relationship with oxidative stress biomarkers in a juvenile population from Mexico's southeast (Yucatan) region. In agreement with worldwide concern about Hg, this study should stimulate studies on metal monitoring in humans (especially children) among scientists working in Mexico, the establishment of polices for its regulation, and the reduction of human health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge A Rangel-Méndez
- Unidad de Investigación Médica Yucatán, Unidad Médica de Alta Especialidad, Centro Médico Ignacio García Téllez, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Calle 41 No. 439, Col. Industrial, Mérida, Yucatán 97150, Mexico; Unidad de Química Sisal, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Puerto de Abrigo S/N, Sisal 97355, Yucatán, Mexico
| | - Flor E Arcega-Cabrera
- Unidad de Química Sisal, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Puerto de Abrigo S/N, Sisal 97355, Yucatán, Mexico
| | - Lane F Fargher
- Ecología Humana, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN-Unidad Mérida, Km 6 antigua carretera a Progreso, Mérida, Yucatán 97310, Mexico
| | - Rosa E Moo-Puc
- Unidad de Investigación Médica Yucatán, Unidad Médica de Alta Especialidad, Centro Médico Ignacio García Téllez, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Calle 41 No. 439, Col. Industrial, Mérida, Yucatán 97150, Mexico.
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16
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Yilmaz OH, Karakulak UN, Tutkun E, Bal C, Gunduzoz M, Ercan Onay E, Ayturk M, Tek Ozturk M, Alaguney ME. Assessment of the Cardiac Autonomic Nervous System in Mercury-Exposed Individuals via Post-Exercise Heart Rate Recovery. Med Princ Pract 2016; 25:343-9. [PMID: 26964065 PMCID: PMC5588423 DOI: 10.1159/000445322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2015] [Accepted: 03/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess exercise heart rate recovery (HRR) indices in mercury-exposed individuals when evaluating their cardiac autonomic function. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Twenty-eight mercury-exposed individuals and 28 healthy controls were enrolled. All the subjects underwent exercise testing and transthoracic echocardiography. The HRR indices were calculated by subtracting the first- (HRR1), second- (HRR2) and third-minute (HRR3) heart rates from the maximal heart rate. The two groups were evaluated in terms of exercise test parameters, especially HRR, and a correlation analysis was performed between blood, 24-hour urine and hair mercury levels and the test parameters. RESULTS The mercury-exposed and control groups were similar in age (37.2 ± 6.6 vs. 36.9 ± 9.0 years), had an identical gender distribution (16 females and 12 males) and similar left ventricular ejection fractions (65.5 ± 3.1 vs. 65.4 ± 3.1%). The mean HRR1 [25.6 ± 6.5 vs. 30.3 ± 8.2 beats per min (bpm); p = 0.009], HRR2 (43.5 ± 5.3 vs. 47.8 ± 5.5 bpm; p = 0.010) and HRR3 (56.8 ± 5.1 vs. 59.4 ± 6.3 bpm; p = 0.016) values were significantly lower in the mercury-exposed group than in the healthy controls. However, there were no significant correlations between blood, urine and hair mercury levels and exercise test parameters. CONCLUSIONS Mercury-exposed individuals had lower HRR indices than normal subjects. In these individuals, mercury exposure measurements did not show correlations with the exercise test parameters, but age did show a negative correlation with these parameters. Therefore, cardiac autonomic functions might be involved in cases of mercury exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ugur Nadir Karakulak
- Department of Cardiology, Ankara, Turkey
- *Ugur Nadir Karakulak, MD, Department of Cardiology, Ankara Occupational Diseases Hospital, TR—06280 Kecioren, Ankara (Turkey), E-Mail
| | - Engin Tutkun
- Department of Clinical Toxicology, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ceylan Bal
- Department of Biochemistry, Ankara Occupational Diseases Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | | | | | - Mehmet Ayturk
- Department of Department of Cardiology, Kecioren Research and Training Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Mujgan Tek Ozturk
- Department of Department of Cardiology, Kecioren Research and Training Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
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17
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Gençpınar P, Büyüktahtakın B, İbişoğlu Z, Genç Ş, Yılmaz A, Mıhçı E. Mercury poisoning as a cause of intracranial hypertension. J Child Neurol 2015; 30:760-3. [PMID: 25122110 DOI: 10.1177/0883073814538503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2014] [Accepted: 04/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Mercury poisoning is a rare but fatal toxicologic emergency. Neurologic manifestations involving the central nervous system are seen usually with chronic mercury intoxication. The most commonly seen complaints are headache, tremor, impaired cognitive skills, weakness, muscle atrophy, and paresthesia. Here, we present a male patient who was chronically exposed to elemental mercury and had papilledema and intracranial hypertension without parenchymal lesion in the central nervous system. A 12-year-old male patient was referred to our emergency room because of severe fatigue, generalized muscle pain and weakness, which was present for a month. Physical examination revealed painful extremities, decreased motor strength and the lack of deep tendon reflexes in lower extremities. He had mixed type polyneuropathy in his electromyography. Whole blood and 24-hour urinary mercury concentrations were high. A chelation therapy with succimer (dimercaptosuccinic acid) was started on the fourth day of his admission. On the seventh day of his admission, he developed headache and nausea, and bilateral papilledema and intracranial hypertension were detected on physical examination. Acetazolamide was started and after 1 month of treatment, the fundi examination was normal. The patient stayed in the hospital for 35 days and was then discharged with acetazolamide, vitamin B6, gabapentin, and followed as an outpatient. His clinical findings were relieving day by day. Although headache is the most common symptom in mercury poisoning, the clinician should evaluate the fundus in terms of intracranial hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pınar Gençpınar
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Akdeniz University Medical Faculty, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Başak Büyüktahtakın
- Department of Pediatrics, Akdeniz University Medical Faculty, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Zeynep İbişoğlu
- Department of Pediatrics, Akdeniz University Medical Faculty, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Şakir Genç
- Department of Pediatrics, Akdeniz University Medical Faculty, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Aygen Yılmaz
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Akdeniz University Medical Faculty, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Ercan Mıhçı
- Department of Pediatric Genetics, Akdeniz University Medical Faculty, Antalya, Turkey
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18
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Abstract
Toxic neuropathy, although rare, is an important consideration in the setting of a known or suspected toxic exposure in the workplace or other environment. This chapter discusses the clinical and electrodiagnostic evaluation of peripheral neuropathies, highlighting findings that direct further workup and may point to specific toxins as etiology. The difficulty of establishing causality of a toxin in relation to peripheral neuropathy is discussed; guidelines for establishing causality are presented. Examples of common industrial toxins are listed, including their typical industrial uses and their mechanisms of action in producing neuropathy. Characteristic clinical presentations of specific toxic neuropathies are highlighted with selected case studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann A Little
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - James W Albers
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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19
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Yılmaz FM, Yılmaz H, Tutkun E, Uysal S, Carman KB, Dilber C, Ercan M. Serum biochemical markers of central nerve system damage in children with acute elemental mercury intoxicatıon. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2014; 52:32-8. [DOI: 10.3109/15563650.2013.860986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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