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Baia-da-Silva DC, Mendes PFS, Silva DCBD, Chemelo VS, Bittencourt LO, Padilha PM, Oriá RB, Aschner M, Lima RR. What does scientometry tell us about mercury toxicology and its biological impairments? Heliyon 2024; 10:e27526. [PMID: 38586377 PMCID: PMC10998116 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27526] [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: 01/21/2024] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Mercury is a toxic pollutant that poses risks to both human and environmental health, making it a pressing public health concern. This study aimed to summarize the knowledge on mercury toxicology and the biological impairments caused by exposure to mercury in experimental studies and/or diagnosis in humans. The research was conducted on the main collection of Web of Science, employing as a methodological tool a bibliometric analysis. The selected articles were analyzed, and extracted data such as publication year, journal, author, title, number of citations, corresponding author's country, keywords, and the knowledge mapping was performed about the type of study, chemical form of mercury, exposure period, origin of exposure, tissue/fluid of exposure measurement, mercury concentration, evaluation period (age), mercury effect, model experiments, dose, exposure pathway, and time of exposure. The selected articles were published between 1965 and 2021, with Clarkson TW being the most cited author who has also published the most articles. A total of 38% of the publications were from the USA. These studies assessed the prenatal and postnatal effects of mercury, emphasizing the impact of methylmercury on neurodevelopment, including motor and cognitive evaluations, the association between mercury and autism, and an evaluation of its protective effects against mercury toxicity. In observational studies, the blood, umbilical cord, and hair were the most frequently used for measuring mercury levels. Our data analysis reveals that mercury neurotoxicology has been extensively explored, but the association among the outcomes evaluated in experimental studies has yet to be strengthened. Providing metric evidence on what is unexplored allows for new studies that may help governmental and non-governmental organizations develop guidelines and policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daiane Claydes Baia-da-Silva
- Laboratory of Functional and Structural Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Paulo Fernando Santos Mendes
- Laboratory of Functional and Structural Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Diane Cleydes Baia da Silva
- Laboratory of Functional and Structural Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Victória Santos Chemelo
- Laboratory of Functional and Structural Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Oliveira Bittencourt
- Laboratory of Functional and Structural Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Pedro Magalhães Padilha
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Reinaldo Barreto Oriá
- Laboratory of Tissue Healing, Ontogeny and Nutrition, Department of Morphology, School of Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Rafael Rodrigues Lima
- Laboratory of Functional and Structural Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
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Chemelo VS, Bittencourt LO, Nascimento PC, Paiva MF, Delbem ACB, Pessan JP, do Espírito Santo AR, Albuquerque ARL, Angélica RS, Crespo-Lopez ME, Pessanha S, Aschner M, Lima RR. Maternal methylmercury exposure during early-life periods adversely affects mature enamel structure of offspring rats at human exposure levels: a concern for oral health. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1183308. [PMID: 37457266 PMCID: PMC10348892 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1183308] [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: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Although there are many studies on the health effects of methylmercury (MeHg) toxicity during in utero and early development, little is known about its effects on mineralized tissues present in the oral cavity, such as enamel structure. Therefore, this study evaluated the effects of MeHg exposure on the physico-chemical, ultrastructural and functional properties of mature tooth enamel. Specifically, we studied offspring of mothers exposed to MeHg during the prenatal and postnatal periods which are the developmental stages associated with tooth enamel formation. Female rats were exposed to MeHg at a dose of 40 μg/kg/day for 42 days of pregnancy and lactation. The enamel of offspring was analyzed by (1) Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Raman to assess physicochemical composition, (2) Scanning Electron Microscopy for ultrastructural evaluation, (3) Transmitted Polarizing Light Microscopy for analysis of the enamel extracellular matrix, and (4) resistance and hardness were evaluated by microhardness. The results showed that MeHg exposure during this sensitive enamel formation period induced changes in inorganic and organic content and enamel prisms ultrastructure alterations and disturbed the organic extracellular matrix due to a decreased enamel strength. These novel findings establish for the first time that maternal exposure to MeHg pre and postnatal promoted relevant changes in mature enamel of their offspring rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victória Santos Chemelo
- Laboratory of Functional and Structural Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Oliveira Bittencourt
- Laboratory of Functional and Structural Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Priscila Cunha Nascimento
- Laboratory of Functional and Structural Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Mayra Frasson Paiva
- Department of Preventive and Restorative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araçatuba, Brazil
| | - Alberto Carlos Botazzo Delbem
- Department of Preventive and Restorative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araçatuba, Brazil
| | - Juliano Pelim Pessan
- Department of Preventive and Restorative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araçatuba, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Ribeiro do Espírito Santo
- Laboratory of Histotechnology and Tissue Biology, Department of Biomorphology, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | | | - Rômulo Simões Angélica
- Laboratory of X-Ray Diffraction, Institute of Geosciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Maria Elena Crespo-Lopez
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Sofia Pessanha
- Laboratory of Instrumentation, Biomedical Engineering and Radiation Physics, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Caparica, Portugal
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Rafael Rodrigues Lima
- Laboratory of Functional and Structural Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Belém, Pará, Brazil
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Chemelo VS, Nascimento PC, Bittencourt LO, Souza-Monteiro D, Balbinot GS, Albuquerque ARL, Silva MCF, da Paz SPA, Angélica RS, Prado AF, Martins MD, Collares FM, Crespo-Lopez ME, Lima RR. In utero and lactational exposure to methylmercury elicits physical-chemical and morphological damages in the alveolar bone of offspring rats: The first toxicological findings. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 308:136453. [PMID: 36122745 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.136453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) is the most common organic form of mercury (Hg) that humans are exposed and is considered an environmental pollutant. Several populations that live in endemic regions of MeHg exposure are subject to the toxicant for long periods, including pregnant women and children, causing damage to several organs during early periods of development. Alveolar bone is an essential structure for the oral cavity, responsible for supporting teeth and masticatory forces. However, evidence on the effects of MeHg on alveolar bone and the intrauterine and lactation period is lacking. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effects of MeHg exposure during gestation and lactation on the developing alveolar bone of offspring rats after maternal exposure. Dams were exposed during 41 days of pregnancy and lactation, and the mandibles of the offspring were collected. The alveolar bone was analyzed by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy to evaluate the physicochemical composition; by Scanning Electron Microscopy for ultrastructural evaluation; by histopathological, histochemical, and morphometric for tissue analyses. In addition, bone quality was assessed by X-ray microtomography. MeHg exposure altered the mineral composition and caused histological damage associated with a lower quantity and thickness of bone trabeculae, as well as reduced osteocyte density and collagen fiber content. A reduction in trabecular thickness and bone volume and an increase in trabecular spaces were observed and were associated with anatomical compromise of the vertical bone dimensions. Thus, the results suggest that the developing alveolar bone is susceptible to the toxic effects of MeHg when organisms are exposed during intrauterine and lactation periods. From a translational perspective, these changes in the alveolar bone can help us understand possible abnormalities induced by toxic metals and highlight the need for care for structures other than those already seen as targets for damage triggered by environmental MeHg exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victória Santos Chemelo
- Laboratory of Functional and Structural Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Priscila Cunha Nascimento
- Laboratory of Functional and Structural Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Oliveira Bittencourt
- Laboratory of Functional and Structural Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Deiweson Souza-Monteiro
- Laboratory of Functional and Structural Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Souza Balbinot
- Dental Material Laboratory, School of Dentistry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | - Márcia Cristina Freitas Silva
- Laboratory of Functional and Structural Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | | | | | - Alejandro Ferraz Prado
- Cardiovascular System Pharmacology and Toxicology Laboratory, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belem, Brazil
| | - Manoela Domingues Martins
- Faculty of Department of Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Fabricio Mezzomo Collares
- Dental Material Laboratory, School of Dentistry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Maria Elena Crespo-Lopez
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Para, Belém, Brazil
| | - Rafael Rodrigues Lima
- Laboratory of Functional and Structural Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil.
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Attia SM, Ahmad SF, Nadeem A, Attia M, Ansari MA, Al-Hamamah MA, Hussein MH, Alameen AA, Alasmari AF, Bakheet SA. Multiple exposure to methylmercury aggravates DNA damage in the BTBR T + Itpr3 tf/J autistic mouse model: the role of DNA repair efficiency. Toxicology 2022; 477:153277. [PMID: 35914580 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2022.153277] [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: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Environmental and genetic factors have been recognized to play major roles in the pathogenesis of autism. Here we examined the BTBR T+Itpr3tf/J (BTBR) mice's susceptibility, an autistic model, to the genotoxic effects and DNA repair dysregulation of methylmercury. Micronuclei formation and oxidative DNA damage were analyzed using the micronucleus/fluorescence in situ hybridization test and modified comet assay, respectively. The results showed higher centromeric-positive micronuclei and oxidative DNA damage in BTBR mice exposed to methylmercury than the unexposed mice, which indicates that mutagenesis aggravated in BTBR mice after methylmercury exposure. Lipid peroxides in BTBR mice were significantly elevated, with a decrease in reduced/oxidized glutathione ratio after methylmercury exposure, indicating an augmenting oxidant-antioxidant imbalance. The expression of several genes involved in DNA repair was markedly altered in BTBR mice after methylmercury exposure as evaluated via PCR array and RT-PCR analyses. Declining of the antioxidant defense and dysregulation in DNA repair process after methylmercury exposure may explain the aggravated genotoxic susceptibility of BTBR mice. Thus, autistic individuals exposed to methylmercury must be under regular medical follow-up through standard timetabled medical laboratory inquiry to allow for early recognition of any mutagenic changes. Additionally, strategies that elevate cellular antioxidants/DNA repair efficiency may counteract methylmercury-induced genotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Attia
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia.
| | - S F Ahmad
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - A Nadeem
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Msm Attia
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - M A Ansari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - M A Al-Hamamah
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - M H Hussein
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - A A Alameen
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - A F Alasmari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - S A Bakheet
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
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Methylmercury Causes Neurodegeneration and Downregulation of Myelin Basic Protein in the Spinal Cord of Offspring Rats after Maternal Exposure. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073777. [PMID: 35409136 PMCID: PMC8998727 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) is one of the most dangerous toxic pollutants spread throughout the earth. Chronic MeHg intoxication by contaminated food ingestion is the most common threat to human health, including impairment to the developing fetus. The present study aims at investigating the effects of maternal exposure to MeHg during gestation and lactation on the spinal cord of offspring. Pregnant rats received oral doses of MeHg (40 μg/kg/day) over a period of 42 days (21 gestation and 21 lactation). Control animals received the vehicle only. Total mercury concentration was measured in blood samples from offspring collected at the 41st postnatal day. Counting of motor neurons and immunoreactivity for myelin basic protein (MBP) were assessed in the spinal cords in both control and MeHg-intoxicated animals. Our results showed that MeHg promoted an increase in blood Hg levels. In addition, it caused a reduction in the number of spinal cord motor neurons as well as decreased MBP immunoreactivity in the cervical, thoracic and lumbar segments. Our present findings suggest that MeHg intoxication during rat pregnancy and lactation is associated with a pattern of motor neuron degeneration and downregulation of myelin basic protein in different segments of a developing spinal cord. Further studies are needed to establish the effect of MeHg intoxication in both young and adult rats.
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Paduraru E, Iacob D, Rarinca V, Rusu A, Jijie R, Ilie OD, Ciobica A, Nicoara M, Doroftei B. Comprehensive Review Regarding Mercury Poisoning and Its Complex Involvement in Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23041992. [PMID: 35216107 PMCID: PMC8879904 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23041992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is considered one of the most widespread toxic environmental pollutants, which seems to have multiple effects on organisms even at low concentrations. It has a critical role in many health problems with harmful consequences, with Hg primarily targeting the brain and its components, such as the central nervous system (CNS). Hg exposure was associated with numerous CNS disorders that frequently trigger Alzheimer's disease (AD). Patients with AD have higher concentrations of Hg in blood and brain tissue. This paper aims to emphasize a correlation between Hg and AD based on the known literature in the occupational field. The outcome shows that all these concerning elements could get attributed to Hg. However, recent studies did not investigate the molecular level of Hg exposure in AD. The present review highlights the interactions between Hg and AD in neuronal degenerations, apoptosis, autophagy, oxidative stress (OS), mitochondrial malfunctions, gastrointestinal (GI) microflora, infertility and altering gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Paduraru
- Doctoral School of Geosciences, Faculty of Geography and Geology, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, No 20A, Carol I Avenue, 700505 Iasi, Romania; (E.P.); (D.I.); (V.R.); (A.R.)
| | - Diana Iacob
- Doctoral School of Geosciences, Faculty of Geography and Geology, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, No 20A, Carol I Avenue, 700505 Iasi, Romania; (E.P.); (D.I.); (V.R.); (A.R.)
| | - Viorica Rarinca
- Doctoral School of Geosciences, Faculty of Geography and Geology, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, No 20A, Carol I Avenue, 700505 Iasi, Romania; (E.P.); (D.I.); (V.R.); (A.R.)
| | - Angelica Rusu
- Doctoral School of Geosciences, Faculty of Geography and Geology, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, No 20A, Carol I Avenue, 700505 Iasi, Romania; (E.P.); (D.I.); (V.R.); (A.R.)
| | - Roxana Jijie
- Department of Exact and Natural Sciences, Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, No 20A, Carol I Avenue, 700505 Iasi, Romania;
| | - Ovidiu-Dumitru Ilie
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Biology, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, No 20A, Carol I Avenue, 700505 Iasi, Romania;
- Correspondence: (O.-D.I.); (M.N.)
| | - Alin Ciobica
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Biology, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, No 20A, Carol I Avenue, 700505 Iasi, Romania;
- Center of Biomedical Research, Romanian Academy, No 8, Carol I Avenue, 700506 Iasi, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, No 54, Independence Street, Sector 5, 050094 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mircea Nicoara
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Biology, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, No 20A, Carol I Avenue, 700505 Iasi, Romania;
- Correspondence: (O.-D.I.); (M.N.)
| | - Bogdan Doroftei
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Grigore T. Popa, No 16, University Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania;
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Nunes PBDO, Ferreira MKM, Ribeiro Frazão D, Bittencourt LO, Chemelo VDS, Silva MCF, Pereira-Neto AL, Albuquerque ARL, Paz SPA, Angélica RS, Pessanha S, Lima RR. Effects of inorganic mercury exposure in the alveolar bone of rats: an approach of qualitative and morphological aspects. PeerJ 2022; 10:e12573. [PMID: 35127276 PMCID: PMC8800384 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12573] [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: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In comparison to organic mercury (MeHg), the environmental inorganic mercury (IHg) can be found in some skin-lightening cosmestics were considered "harmless" for a long time. However, recent studies have shown that long-term exposure to low doses of IHg may affect biological systems. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of IHg long-term exposure to the alveolar bone of adult rats. METHODS Adult Wistar rats were distributed in control and HgCl2 exposed (0.375 mg/kg/day). After 45 days, the rats were euthanized and both blood and hemimandibles were collected. Total blood Hg levels were measured and both inorganic and organic components of the alveolar bone were determined through XRD and ATR-FTIR. The microstructure of the alveolar bone was assessed by using micro-CT and the morphometric analysis was performed by using stereomicroscopy. RESULTS Alterations in the physicochemical components of the alveolar bone of exposed animals were observed. The bone changes represented a tissue reaction at the microstructural level, such as bone volume increase. However, no significant dimensional changes (bone height) were observed. CONCLUSION Exposure to IHg at this dose can promote microstructural changes and alteration in the organic and inorganic components in the alveolar bone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Beatriz de Oliveira Nunes
- Laboratory of Functional and Structural Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Maria Karolina Martins Ferreira
- Laboratory of Functional and Structural Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Deborah Ribeiro Frazão
- Laboratory of Functional and Structural Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Oliveira Bittencourt
- Laboratory of Functional and Structural Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Victória dos Santos Chemelo
- Laboratory of Functional and Structural Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Márcia Cristina Freitas Silva
- Laboratory of Functional and Structural Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Sofia Pessanha
- Laboratory of Instrumentation, Biomedical Engineering and Radiation Physics, NOVA School of Sciences and Technology, Caparica, Portugal
| | - Rafael Rodrigues Lima
- Laboratory of Functional and Structural Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
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Cunha Nascimento P, Alana Bragança Aragão W, Oliveira Bittencourt L, Dionizio A, A. R. Buzalaf M, Crespo-Lopez ME, Lima RR. Maternal methylmercury exposure changes the proteomic profile of the offspring's salivary glands: Prospects on translational toxicology. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0258969. [PMID: 34748590 PMCID: PMC8575261 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0258969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Methylmercury (MeHg) remains a public health issue since developing organisms are particularly vulnerable to this environmental contaminant. This study investigated the effect of maternal MeHg exposure on the modulation of proteomic profile of parotid (PA), submandibular (SM), and sublingual (SL) glands of offspring rats. Materials and methods Pregnant Wistar rats were daily exposed to 40 μg/kg MeHg during both gestational and lactation periods. The proteomic profiles of the major salivary glands of the offspring rats were analyzed through mass spectrometry. Results The offspring rats exposed to MeHg showed significant alterations in the proteomic profiles of the PA, SM, and SL glands. Altered proteins were associated with cytoskeleton components, tissue morphogenesis, and response to stimulus and stress. Conclusion This original study showed that maternal MeHg exposure significantly modulates the expression of proteins and induces alterations in the proteomic profiles of developing salivary glands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscila Cunha Nascimento
- Laboratory of Functional and Structural Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Para, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Walessa Alana Bragança Aragão
- Laboratory of Functional and Structural Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Para, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Oliveira Bittencourt
- Laboratory of Functional and Structural Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Para, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Aline Dionizio
- Department of Biological Sciences, Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, Bauru, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marilia A. R. Buzalaf
- Department of Biological Sciences, Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, Bauru, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria Elena Crespo-Lopez
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Para, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Rafael Rodrigues Lima
- Laboratory of Functional and Structural Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Para, Belém, PA, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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