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Ke T, Rajoo A, Tinkov AA, Skalny AV, Tizabi Y, Rocha JBT, Bowman AB, Aschner M. Intestinal microbiota protects against methylmercury-induced neurotoxicity. Biometals 2024; 37:561-576. [PMID: 37973679 DOI: 10.1007/s10534-023-00554-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) remains a global public health issue because of its frequent presence in human food sources obtained from the water. The excretion of MeHg in humans occurs slowly with a biological half-time of 32-47 days. Short-term MeHg exposure may cause long-lasting neurotoxicity. The excretion through feces is a major route in the demethylation of MeHg. Accumulating evidence suggests that the intestinal microbiota plays an important role in the demethylation of MeHg, thereby protecting the host from neurotoxic effects. Here, we discuss recent developments on the role of intestinal microbiota in MeHg metabolism, based on in vitro cell culture experiments, experimental animal studies and human investigations. Demethylation by intestinal bacteria is the rate-limiting step in MeHg metabolism and elimination. The identity of bacteria strains responsible for this biotransformation is currently unknown; however, the non-homogenous distribution of intestinal microbiota may lead to different demethylation rates in the intestinal tract. The maintenance of intestinal barrier function by intestinal microbiota may afford protection against MeHg-induced neurotoxicity, which warrant future investigations. We also discuss studies investigating the effects of MeHg exposure on the population structural stability of intestinal microbiota in several host species. Although this is an emerging area in metal toxicity, current research suggests that a change in certain phyla in the intestinal microbiota may indicate MeHg overexposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Ke
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 19716, USA
| | - André Rajoo
- Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL, 33458, USA
- Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, 33431, USA
| | - Alexey A Tinkov
- IM Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia, 119991
- Yaroslavl State University, Yaroslavl, Russia, 150003
- Institute of Cellular and Intracellular Symbiosis, Russian Academy of Sciences, Orenburg, Russia, 460000
| | - Anatoly V Skalny
- IM Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia, 119991
- Department of Medical Elementology, Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), Moscow, Russia, 117198
| | - Yousef Tizabi
- Department of Pharmacology, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC, 20059, USA
| | - Joao B T Rocha
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Centro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, 97105900, RS, Brazil
| | - Aaron B Bowman
- School of Health Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907-2051, USA
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue Forchheimer Building, Room 209, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA.
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Hegde R, Hegde S, Kulkarni S, Kulkarni SS, Pandurangi A, Kariduraganavar MY, Das KK, Gai PB. Total Reflection X-ray Fluorescence Analysis of Plasma Elements in Autistic Children from India. Biol Trace Elem Res 2023; 201:644-654. [PMID: 35338449 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-022-03199-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Trace elements are essential for the human body's various physiological processes but if they are present in higher concentration, these elements turn to be toxic and cause adverse effect on physiological processes. Similarly, deficiency of these essential elements also affects physiological processes and leads to abnormal metabolic activities. There is a lot of interest in recent years to know the mystery behind the involvement of trace elements in the metabolic activities of autistic children suspecting that it may be a risk factor in the aetiology of autism. The present study aims to analyse the plasma trace elements in autistic children using the total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) technique. Plasma samples from 70 autistic children (mean age: 11.5 ± 3.1) were analysed with 70 age- and sex-matched healthy children as controls (mean age: 12 ± 2.5). TXRF analysis revealed the higher concentration of copper (1227.8 ± 17.8), chromium (7.1 ± 2.5), bromine (2695.1 ± 24) and arsenic (126.3 ± 10) and lower concentration of potassium (440.1 ± 25), iron (1039.6 ± 28), zinc (635.7 ± 21), selenium (52.3 ± 8.5), rubidium (1528.9 ± 28) and molybdenum (162,800.8 ± 14) elements in the plasma of autistic children in comparison to healthy controls. Findings of the first study from India suggest these altered concentrations in elements in autistic children over normal healthy children affect the physiological processes and metabolism. Further studies are needed to clarify the association between the altered element concentration and physiology of autism in the North Karnataka population in India.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajat Hegde
- Laboratory of Vascular Physiology and Medicine, Department of Physiology, Shri B.M Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, BLDE (Deemed To Be University), Vijayapura, 586101, India
- Karnataka Institute for DNA Research (KIDNAR), Dharwad, 580003, India
| | - Smita Hegde
- Karnataka Institute for DNA Research (KIDNAR), Dharwad, 580003, India
- Human Genetics Laboratory, Department of Anatomy, Shri B.M Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, BLDE (Deemed To Be University), Vijayapura, 586101, India
| | - Sujayendra Kulkarni
- Human Genetics Laboratory, Department of Anatomy, Shri B.M Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, BLDE (Deemed To Be University), Vijayapura, 586101, India
- Division of Human Genetics (Central Research Lab), S. Nijaliangappa Medical College, HSK Hospital and Research Center, Bagalkot, 587102, India
| | | | - Aditya Pandurangi
- Department of Psychiatry, Dharwad Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Dharwad, 580008, India
| | | | - Kusal K Das
- Laboratory of Vascular Physiology and Medicine, Department of Physiology, Shri B.M Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, BLDE (Deemed To Be University), Vijayapura, 586101, India
| | - Pramod B Gai
- Karnataka Institute for DNA Research (KIDNAR), Dharwad, 580003, India.
- Karnatak University Dharwad, Dharwad, 580003, India.
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Ishitsuka K, Tsuji M, Yamamoto M, Tanaka R, Suga R, Kuwamura M, Sakuragi T, Shimono M, Kusuhara K. Association between maternal fish consumption during pregnancy and preterm births: the Japan Environment and Children's Study. Environ Health Prev Med 2023; 28:47. [PMID: 37648522 PMCID: PMC10480610 DOI: 10.1265/ehpm.23-00084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fish are a rich source of essential nutrients that protect against preterm birth. However, as fish can absorb environmental pollutants, their consumption can also increase the risk of preterm birth. This study aimed to assess whether maternal fish consumption during pregnancy is associated with preterm birth in a nationwide large Japanese cohort that consumed relatively high amounts and many types of fish. METHODS This study included 81,428 mother-child pairs enrolled in a nationwide prospective Japanese birth cohort study. Fish consumption was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression was used to investigate the association of total consumption of fish, fatty fish and lean fish, fish paste, and seafood and clams with preterm birth, adjusted for potential confounders. RESULTS There was no association between overall fish consumption and preterm births. However, the highest quintile of fish paste consumption was significantly associated with an increased risk of preterm birth (odds ratio [OR]: 1.11; 95% confidence interval [CI: 1.04, 1.17]). The consumption of baked fish paste at least three times per week was significantly associated with preterm birth (OR: 1.20; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.40). Consumption of other types of fish, except fish paste, was not significantly associated with preterm birth risk. CONCLUSIONS Fish paste consumption may increase the risk of preterm birth. Further studies are required to confirm this association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazue Ishitsuka
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health
- Departiment of Social Medicine, National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mayumi Tsuji
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health
- Regional Center for Japan Environment and Children’s Study, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Megumi Yamamoto
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health
- Department of Environment and Public Health, National Institute for Minamata Disease, Minamata, Japan
| | - Rie Tanaka
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health
| | - Reiko Suga
- Regional Center for Japan Environment and Children’s Study, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Mami Kuwamura
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Toshihide Sakuragi
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health
| | - Masayuki Shimono
- Regional Center for Japan Environment and Children’s Study, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Koichi Kusuhara
- Regional Center for Japan Environment and Children’s Study, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - the Japan Environment and Children’s Study Group
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health
- Departiment of Social Medicine, National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Environment and Public Health, National Institute for Minamata Disease, Minamata, Japan
- Regional Center for Japan Environment and Children’s Study, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
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Zhang J, Lin J, Zhao X, Yao F, Feng C, He Z, Cao X, Gao Y, Khan NU, Chen M, Luo P, Shen L. Trace Element Changes in the Plasma of Autism Spectrum Disorder Children and the Positive Correlation Between Chromium and Vanadium. Biol Trace Elem Res 2022; 200:4924-4935. [PMID: 35006555 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-021-03082-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Existing data demonstrate a significant correlation between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and the status of biologically essential and toxic trace elements. However, there is still a lack of data on the steady state of trace elements in ASD. We performed a case-control study to explore the association between the risk of ASD and 23 trace elements in plasma. The results showed that children with ASD had considerably decreased lithium (Li), manganese (Mn), selenium (Se), barium (Ba), mercury (Hg), and tin (Sn) levels when compared to their age- and sex-matched controls. Meanwhile, children with ASD had considerably increased plasma chromium (Cr) and vanadium (V) concentrations. We also divided each group into subgroups based on age and gender and created element-related networks for each subgroup. We detected significant element correlations within or between subgroups, as well as changes in correlations that included all elements examined. Finally, more element correlations were observed among males, which may open a new avenue for understanding the complicated process behind the sex ratio of children with ASD. Overall, our data revealed a novel relationship between elements and ASD, which may extend current understanding about ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Zhang
- College of Life Science and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518071, People's Republic of China
- School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring Control Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Lin
- College of Life Science and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518071, People's Republic of China
- Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, 518055, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiying Zhao
- Shenzhen Academy of Metrology and Quality Inspection, Shenzhen, 518055, People's Republic of China
| | - Fang Yao
- College of Life Science and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518071, People's Republic of China
- Brain Disease and Big Data Research Institute, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518071, People's Republic of China
| | - Chengyun Feng
- Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Baoan, Shenzhen, 518100, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhijun He
- College of Life Science and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518071, People's Republic of China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology and Ecology, Shenzhen, 518071, People's Republic of China
| | - Xueshan Cao
- College of Life Science and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518071, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Gao
- Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Baoan, Shenzhen, 518100, People's Republic of China
| | - Naseer Ullah Khan
- College of Life Science and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518071, People's Republic of China
| | - Margy Chen
- Department of Psychology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Peng Luo
- School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring Control Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, People's Republic of China
| | - Liming Shen
- College of Life Science and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518071, People's Republic of China.
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Bjørklund G, Antonyak H, Polishchuk A, Semenova Y, Lesiv M, Lysiuk R, Peana M. Effect of methylmercury on fetal neurobehavioral development: an overview of the possible mechanisms of toxicity and the neuroprotective effect of phytochemicals. Arch Toxicol 2022; 96:3175-3199. [PMID: 36063174 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-022-03366-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) is a global environmental pollutant with neurotoxic effects. Exposure to MeHg via consumption of seafood and fish can severely impact fetal neurobehavioral development even when MeHg levels in maternal blood are as low as about 5 μg/L, which the mother tolerates well. Persistent motor dysfunctions and cognitive deficits may result from trans-placental exposure. The present review summarizes current knowledge on the mechanisms of MeHg toxicity during the period of nervous system development. Although cerebellar Purkinje cells are MeHg targets, the actions of MeHg on thiol components in the neuronal cytoskeleton as well as on mitochondrial enzymes and induction of disturbances of glutamate signaling can impair extra-cerebellar functions, also at levels well tolerated by adult individuals. Numerous herbal substances possess neuroprotective effects, predominantly represented by natural polyphenolic molecules that might be utilized to develop natural drugs to alleviate neurotoxicity symptoms caused by MeHg or other Hg compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geir Bjørklund
- Council for Nutritional and Environmental Medicine, Toften 24, 8610, Mo i Rana, Norway.
| | | | | | | | - Marta Lesiv
- Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, Lviv, Ukraine
| | - Roman Lysiuk
- Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University, Lviv, Ukraine
- CONEM Ukraine Life Science Research Group, Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University, Lviv, Ukraine
| | - Massimiliano Peana
- Department of Chemical, Physics, Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
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Dack K, Fell M, Taylor CM, Havdahl A, Lewis SJ. Prenatal Mercury Exposure and Neurodevelopment up to the Age of 5 Years: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19041976. [PMID: 35206164 PMCID: PMC8871549 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19041976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental delays can interfere with children’s engagement with the world and further development, and may have negative consequences into adulthood. Mercury is highly toxic and may negatively influence neurodevelopment because it can freely cross the placenta and accumulate in the fetal brain. We searched four publication databases (Embase, PsycINFO, PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus) for studies examining the relationship between early life mercury exposure and scores on neurodevelopmental performance measures in children aged 0 to 5 years old. Study quality was assessed using the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Quality Assessment Tool. Thirty-two prospective studies were included in the review. Neurodevelopmental performance was measured using 23 different scales, most commonly the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development (BSID). In most cases, the evidence for an association between mercury and neurodevelopment was weak. There did not appear to be exceptions for particular childhood ages, outcome scales, or mercury levels. The small number of results to the contrary were more likely to be studies which did not meet our high-quality criteria, and could be a consequence of multiple testing, selection bias, or incomplete confounder adjustment. Based on current evidence, dietary mercury exposure during pregnancy is unlikely to be a risk factor for low neurodevelopmental functioning in early childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle Dack
- Medical Research Council Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TH, UK
- Correspondence:
| | - Matthew Fell
- Cleft Collective, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TH, UK;
| | - Caroline M. Taylor
- Centre for Academic Child Health, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TH, UK;
| | - Alexandra Havdahl
- Department of Mental Disorders, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, 0213 Oslo, Norway;
- Nic Waals Institute, Lovisenberg Diaconal Hospital, 0853 Oslo, Norway
| | - Sarah J. Lewis
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TH, UK;
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CoNaMad-Cohorte de Nacimiento de Madre de Dios/Madre de Dios Birth Cohort to Study Effects of in-utero Trace Metals Exposure in the Southern Peruvian Amazon. Ann Glob Health 2021; 87:69. [PMID: 34327116 PMCID: PMC8300581 DOI: 10.5334/aogh.3152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: In-utero exposure to mercury and other trace metals pose a significant threat to child health and development, but exposures and health impacts in artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) environments are poorly defined. Objectives: We describe the CONAMAD study design, a prospective birth cohort consisting of multiparous women (18 and over) living in rural and peri-urban Peruvian Amazon communities exposed to ASGM. Methods: Pregnant women are enrolled from health posts across four zones of Madre de Dios, Peru. Data are collected at enrollment, childbirth, and (planned) 36-48 months. At enrollment, hair samples for mercury assessment, demographic and clinical data are obtained. At birth, we obtain venous and cord blood, placenta, hair, toenails, and saliva. Findings: Two hundred seventy mothers were enrolled at an average 20 weeks gestational age with no differences in maternal characteristics across zones. Two hundred fifteen mothers were successfully followed at birth. We obtained 214 maternal and cord blood samples, 211 maternal and 212 infant hair samples, 212 placenta samples, 210 infant saliva samples, and 214 infant dried blood spots. Data collected will allow for testing our primary hypotheses of maternal malnutrition modifying ratios of cord:maternal blood total mercury (tHg), cord blood:maternal hair tHg, and infant:maternal hair tHg, and whether chemical mixtures (Hg, Pb, Cd) have synergistic effects on infant neurodevelopment. Conclusions: CONAMAD is designed to collect and store samples for future processing and hypothesis testing associated with in-utero mercury exposure and child development. We have completed the exposure assessments and will conduct a follow-up of mothers to evaluate early child development outcomes, including developmental delay and growth. These data offer insights into disease mechanisms, exposure prevention, and policy guidance for countries where ASGM is prevalent.
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't Mannetje A, Coakley J, Douwes J. Total blood mercury and its determinants in New Zealand children and adults. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2021; 31:289-298. [PMID: 33603094 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-021-00296-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mercury is a widespread persistent environmental pollutant associated with adverse health effects. OBJECTIVE This first national biomonitoring survey of blood total mercury (tHg) conducted in New Zealand aimed to provide baseline data and identify exposure determinants. METHODS Blood was collected from 191 children (age 5-18 years) and 304 adults (20-65) in 2014-2016 and analysed for tHg using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Linear regression was used to assess associations with demographic and lifestyle factors. RESULTS Blood mercury was detected in 93% of children and 99% of adults, with geometric means (GMs) of 0.86 and 1.65 µg/L, respectively. The 60-65-year olds had the highest GM (2.34 µg/L). Regression indicated that tHg was 40% higher in boys compared to girls. Eating fish ≥ 3 times/week (compared to ≤once/week) was associated with 2.7 and 1.7 times higher tHg in children and adults, respectively. Shellfish consumption was also associated with higher tHg. High daily tap water consumption (≥2 L for children, ≥3 L for adults) was associated with lower tHg. In adults, smoking and milk consumption were associated with higher tHg. SIGNIFICANCE Fish and shellfish consumption is a strong determinant of New Zealanders blood tHg levels, with water and milk consumption possibly acting as modulating factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea 't Mannetje
- Centre for Public Health Research, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand.
| | - Jonathan Coakley
- Centre for Public Health Research, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Jeroen Douwes
- Centre for Public Health Research, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
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Development and implementation of a method to assess food and nutrient intakes in the Seychelles Child Development Nutrition Study. Neurotoxicology 2020; 81:323-330. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2020.09.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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10
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Walker EV, Yuan Y, Girgis S, Goodman KJ. Patterns of fish and whale consumption in relation to methylmercury in hair among residents of Western Canadian Arctic communities. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:1073. [PMID: 32631282 PMCID: PMC7339417 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-09133-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Methylmercury contamination of the environment represents a substantial environmental health concern. Human exposure to methylmercury occurs primarily through consumption of fish and marine mammals. Heavily exposed subgroups include sport or subsistence fishers residing in Arctic communities. We aimed to estimate the association of fish/whale consumption patterns of Canadian Arctic subsistence fishers with the internal dose of methylmercury as measured in hair. METHODS This research was conducted within ongoing community projects led by the CANHelp Working Group in Aklavik and Fort McPherson, Northwest Territories and Old Crow, Yukon. We interviewed each participant using a fish-focused food-frequency questionnaire during September-November 2016 and collected hair samples concurrently. Methylmercury was measured in the full-length of each hair sample using gas chromatography inductively-coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Multivariable linear regression estimated beta-coefficients and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the effect of fish/whale consumption on hair-methylmercury concentrations. RESULTS Among 101 participants who provided hair samples and diet data, the mean number of fish/whale species eaten was 3.5 (SD:1.9). The mean hair-methylmercury concentration was 0.60 μg/g (SD:0.47). Fish/whale consumption was positively associated with hair-methylmercury concentration, after adjusting for sex, hair length and use of permanent hair treatments. Hair-methylmercury concentrations among participants who consumed the most fish/whale in each season ranged from 0.30-0.50 μg/g higher than those who consumed < 1 meal/week. CONCLUSIONS In this population of Canadian Arctic subsistence fishers, hair-methylmercury concentration increased with fish/whale consumption, but the maximum concentrations were below Health Canada's 6.0 μg/g threshold for safe exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily V Walker
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada. .,School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
| | - Yan Yuan
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Safwat Girgis
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Karen J Goodman
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
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Sekovanić A, Piasek M, Orct T, Sulimanec Grgec A, Matek Sarić M, Stasenko S, Jurasović J. Mercury Exposure Assessment in Mother-Infant Pairs from Continental and Coastal Croatia. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10060821. [PMID: 32471193 PMCID: PMC7355586 DOI: 10.3390/biom10060821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [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: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The main source of mercury (Hg) exposure in the general population is fish. Another possible source is dental amalgam. Here, we compare the levels of Hg and selenium (Se) in samples of maternal and fetal origin collected shortly after childbirth of healthy postpartum women in the coastal (n = 96) and continental (n = 185) areas of Croatia related to maternal seafood/fish consumption. We also evaluated Hg concentrations and maternal serum metallothionein (MT2) concentrations in relation to the number of dental amalgam fillings, and MT2A-5A/G (rs28366003) polymorphism. The levels of Hg and Se in maternal hair and blood/serum, placenta and cord blood/serum increased in relation to increasing fish consumption with the highest values in subjects from the coast. The concentrations of each element and between elements correlated across the matrices. Increasing amalgam number correlated linearly with increased Hg levels in maternal and cord serum and was not associated with serum MT2. No association of MT2A-5A/G polymorphism and Hg or Se levels were found. The results confirmed higher fish consumption in coastal vs. continental Croatia and increases of both Hg and Se related to fish consumption in all analyzed samples. Increased blood Hg reflected the predominant MeHg share from seafood, while increased serum Hg matched exposure from dental amalgams.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankica Sekovanić
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.S.); (T.O.); (A.S.G.); (J.J.)
| | - Martina Piasek
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.S.); (T.O.); (A.S.G.); (J.J.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Tatjana Orct
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.S.); (T.O.); (A.S.G.); (J.J.)
| | - Antonija Sulimanec Grgec
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.S.); (T.O.); (A.S.G.); (J.J.)
| | | | - Sandra Stasenko
- Clinical Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Merkur University Hospital, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Jasna Jurasović
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.S.); (T.O.); (A.S.G.); (J.J.)
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Pelletier G, Feng YL, Leingartner K, Black P. Co-administration of a Rhododendron tomentosum extract does not affect mercury tissue concentrations and excretion rate in methylmercury-treated adult male rats. BMC Res Notes 2019; 12:369. [PMID: 31262338 PMCID: PMC6604137 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-019-4409-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Consumption of fish/seafood is clearly linked to higher mercury levels in human tissue samples. However, correlations between methylmercury (MeHg) intakes calculated from dietary surveys and mercury body burdens are usually weak and can vary across populations. Different factors may affect MeHg absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion, including co-exposures to phytochemicals and antibiotics, which were shown to affect mercury body burdens in rodents. Based on the observation that rat pups developmentally exposed to MeHg and a Rhododendron tomentosum extract (Labrador Tea) presented significantly higher blood mercury levels at weaning compared to pups exposed to MeHg alone, the modulation of MeHg toxicokinetics by Labrador Tea was further investigated in adult rats. Results Total mercury levels were quantified in the blood, liver, kidney and feces of adult male rats exposed to MeHg (1.2 mg/kg bodyweight/day, for 3 weeks) administered either alone or in combination with Labrador Tea (100 mg/kg bodyweight/day) or with an antibiotics cocktail (to inhibit MeHg demethylation by gut bacteria). While the reduced fecal excretion and higher blood mercury levels expected from antibiotics-treated rats were observed, mercury levels in samples from Labrador Tea-treated rats were not significantly different from those measured in samples from rats exposed to MeHg alone. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13104-019-4409-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Pelletier
- Hazard Identification Division, Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Environmental Health Centre, 50 Colombine Driveway, P.L. 0803B, Tunney's Pasture, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada.
| | - Yong-Lai Feng
- Exposure and Biomonitoring Division, Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Karen Leingartner
- Hazard Identification Division, Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Environmental Health Centre, 50 Colombine Driveway, P.L. 0803B, Tunney's Pasture, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - Paleah Black
- Hazard Identification Division, Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Environmental Health Centre, 50 Colombine Driveway, P.L. 0803B, Tunney's Pasture, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada.,Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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Qin YY, Jian B, Wu C, Jiang CZ, Kang Y, Zhou JX, Yang F, Liang Y. A comparison of blood metal levels in autism spectrum disorder and unaffected children in Shenzhen of China and factors involved in bioaccumulation of metals. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 25:17950-17956. [PMID: 29680891 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-1957-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2017] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The present study compared blood plasma metals in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with those in unaffected children in Shenzhen (China). Factors associated with the metal bioaccumulation were further investigated. Thirty-four blood samples of children with ASD were collected in a local hospital (Shenzhen Children's Hospital), while those of 38 unaffected children were from a local large public kindergarten, during March to April in 2016. Metal analysis was carried out by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry. The results showed that children with ASD had higher (P < 0.01, 0.05) Pb (ASD 31.9 μg/L, unaffected children 18.6 μg/L), Hg (3.83, and 1.09 μg/L), and Cd (0.70 and 0.26 μg/L) than unaffected children, while essential elements Zn (ASD 4552.0 μg/L, unaffected children 5118.6 μg/L), Se (61.7 and 90.6 μg/L), and Mn (13.5 and 21.4 μg/L) showed an opposite pattern. Moreover, the children exposed to passive smoking had higher (P < 0.05) Cd (passive smoking 1.08 μg/L; non-passive smoking 0.22 μg/L) than those without the exposure. Positive associations were found between levels of Hg or Pb and seafood consumption as well as body mass index (BMI). More future work is needed in order to clarify the association between metal exposure and ASD occurrence in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Yan Qin
- Shenzhen Polytechnic, Shenzhen, 518055, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Jian
- Shenzhen Public Security, Shenzhen, 518040, People's Republic of China
| | - Chuan Wu
- School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, People's Republic of China
| | - Cheng-Zi Jiang
- Laboratory for Food Safety and Environmental Technology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan Kang
- School of Chemistry and Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia-Xiu Zhou
- Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, 518026, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Yang
- Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, 518026, People's Republic of China.
- Speech Therapy Department, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, 518026, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yan Liang
- Laboratory for Food Safety and Environmental Technology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, People's Republic of China.
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Eagles-Smith CA, Silbergeld EK, Basu N, Bustamante P, Diaz-Barriga F, Hopkins WA, Kidd KA, Nyland JF. Modulators of mercury risk to wildlife and humans in the context of rapid global change. AMBIO 2018; 47:170-197. [PMID: 29388128 PMCID: PMC5794686 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-017-1011-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 179] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Environmental mercury (Hg) contamination is an urgent global health threat. The complexity of Hg in the environment can hinder accurate determination of ecological and human health risks, particularly within the context of the rapid global changes that are altering many ecological processes, socioeconomic patterns, and other factors like infectious disease incidence, which can affect Hg exposures and health outcomes. However, the success of global Hg-reduction efforts depends on accurate assessments of their effectiveness in reducing health risks. In this paper, we examine the role that key extrinsic and intrinsic drivers play on several aspects of Hg risk to humans and organisms in the environment. We do so within three key domains of ecological and human health risk. First, we examine how extrinsic global change drivers influence pathways of Hg bioaccumulation and biomagnification through food webs. Next, we describe how extrinsic socioeconomic drivers at a global scale, and intrinsic individual-level drivers, influence human Hg exposure. Finally, we address how the adverse health effects of Hg in humans and wildlife are modulated by a range of extrinsic and intrinsic drivers within the context of rapid global change. Incorporating components of these three domains into research and monitoring will facilitate a more holistic understanding of how ecological and societal drivers interact to influence Hg health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ellen K. Silbergeld
- Johns Hopkin Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, E6644, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - Niladri Basu
- McGill University, 204-CINE Building, Montreal, QC H9X 3V9 Canada
| | - Paco Bustamante
- University of La Rochelle, laboratory of Littoral Environment and Societies, Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), LIENSs UMR 7266 CNRS-Université de La Rochelle, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000 La Rochelle, France
| | - Fernando Diaz-Barriga
- Center for Applied Research in Environment and Health at, Universidad Autonoma de San Luis Potosi, Avenida Venustiano Carranza No. 2405, Col Lomas los Filtros Código Postal, 78214 San Luis Potosí, SLP Mexico
| | - William A. Hopkins
- Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, 310 West Campus Drive Virginia Tech, Cheatham Hall, Room 106 (MC 0321), Blacksburg, VA 24061 USA
| | - Karen A. Kidd
- Department of Biology & School of Geography and Earth Sciences, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street W., Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1 Canada
| | - Jennifer F. Nyland
- Department of Biological Sciences, 1101 Camden Ave, Salisbury, MD 21801 USA
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Kusanagi E, Takamura H, Chen SJ, Adachi M, Hoshi N. Children's Hair Mercury Concentrations and Seafood Consumption in Five Regions of Japan. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2018; 74:259-272. [PMID: 29313075 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-017-0502-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2017] [Accepted: 12/28/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to methylmercury (MeHg) during the foetal and postnatal periods is known to have adverse effects on children's development. However, little attention has been paid to MeHg exposure during early childhood in Japan. To examine the regional differences in MeHg exposure and seafood consumption and the association between MeHg exposure and seafood consumption and dental metal restorations, we measured the total mercury (T-Hg) concentration in hair as an MeHg exposure index, and using questionnaires, we measured the frequency and amount of seafood consumption and the presence of dental metal restorations in 118 children aged 3-6 years in five regions of Japan. The arithmetic and geometric means of the T-Hg concentrations in hair were 1.03 and 0.87 ppm, respectively, and approximately 40% of the children exceeded the United States Environmental Protection Agency recommendation of 1.0 ppm. Significant regional differences in the hair T-Hg concentrations were found among the five regions, and the regional differences were consistent with the traditional regional patterns of eating fatty fish. According to the regression analysis, the consumption of fatty fish, particularly tuna/swordfish, had a significant effect on hair T-Hg concentrations, whereas age, sex, the materials used for dental metal restorations, and other types of seafood or fish/shellfish had no significant effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emiko Kusanagi
- Kokugakuin University Hokkaido Junior College, Takikawa, 073-0014, Japan.
| | | | - Shing-Jen Chen
- Koen Gakuen Women's Junior College, Sapporo, 005-0012, Japan
| | | | - Nobuko Hoshi
- Junior College of Sapporo Otani University, Sapporo, 065-8567, Japan
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Ni FJ, Kelly NE, Arhonditsis GB. Towards the development of an ecophysiological Daphnia model to examine effects of toxicity and nutrition. ECOL INFORM 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoinf.2017.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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17
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Eccles KM, Thomas PJ, Chan HM. Predictive meta-regressions relating mercury tissue concentrations of freshwater piscivorous mammals. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2017; 36:2377-2384. [PMID: 28224658 DOI: 10.1002/etc.3775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2016] [Revised: 01/16/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a pollutant of global concern. Sentinel species such as river otter (Lontra canadensis) and mink (Neovison vison) are often used to monitor environmental concentrations in freshwater ecosystems. Tissue total Hg (THg) concentrations are frequently used as biomarkers of exposure. However, there is no comprehensive model relating Hg tissue concentrations in different tissues, making interstudy comparisons challenging. Our objective was to establish conversion factors relating fur, brain, liver, kidney, and muscle THg concentrations using mean concentrations and standard errors reported in the literature. We used data from more than 6000 samples, pooled across 16 studies and 96 sampling sites in North America and Europe. Sixteen regressions were derived for the river otter and mink models, which were statistically significant at a 95% confidence interval and yielded high explained variances. The models were validated using an external data set of individually measured THg tissue concentrations. The validated conversions were used to evaluate the current fur Hg screening guidelines of 20 µg/g and 30 µg/g. At both of these fur concentrations, brain concentrations are of concern for altering brain neurochemistry. We suggest a more conservative fur Hg screening guideline of 15 µg/g to protect sensitive furbearers. The conversion factors can be used to predict internal organ THg concentrations from fur measurements, eliminating the need for invasive tissue sampling. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:2377-2384. © 2017 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin M Eccles
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Philippe J Thomas
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Science and Technology Branch, National Wildlife Research Centre, Carleton University, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Hing Man Chan
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Moniruzzaman M, Lee JH, Lee JH, Won S, Damusaru JH, Bai SC. Interactive effect of dietary vitamin E and inorganic mercury on growth performance and bioaccumulation of mercury in juvenile olive flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus treated with mercuric chloride. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 3:276-283. [PMID: 29767088 PMCID: PMC5941236 DOI: 10.1016/j.aninu.2017.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2016] [Revised: 06/30/2017] [Accepted: 07/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
A 6-week feeding trial was carried out to evaluate the effects of dietary vitamin E (dl-α-tocopheryl acetate, TA) on growth and mercury (Hg) accumulation in juvenile olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) treated with mercuric chloride (HgCl2). Vitamin E and HgCl2 were added to the semi-purified basal diet. Six semi-purified diets in a 2 × 3 factorial design were formulated to contain 2 levels of Hg (0 or 20 mg HgCl2/kg diet) and 3 levels of vitamin E (0, 100, or 200 mg TA/kg diet). Experimental fish (n = 360, 9.99 ± 0.15 g) were randomly allocated into 30-L tanks at a density of 20 fish per tank with 3 replicates in each treatment and were fed twice a day. At the end of the feeding trial, dietary Hg depressed the growth performances in terms of weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR), feed efficiency (FE) and protein efficiency ratio (PER) in fish, while fish fed the diets supplemented with vitamin E showed significant growth improvement in both presence and absence of HgCl2 in the diets (P < 0.05). Survival rate was not affected in fish fed the experimental diets. Whole body compositions of fish such as lipid and moisture contents were influenced by dietary vitamin E supplementation. Total Hg contents of muscle, liver and kidney tissues were significantly reduced in fish fed diets supplemented with vitamin E (P < 0.05), while the two-way ANOVA showed that increasing Hg concentration has resulted in a reduction in vitamin E. Whole body fatty acids of fish like eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) contents were decreased by dietary Hg. However, supplementation of dietary vitamin E improved the α-linolenic acid (ALA) and EPA contents in fish. Our results suggest that dietary supplementation of vitamin E has potential effects on growth improvement and ameliorating inorganic Hg bioaccumulation in juvenile olive flounder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Moniruzzaman
- Department of Marine Bio-materials and Aquaculture, Feeds & Foods Nutrition Research Center, Pukyong National University, Busan 608-737, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun-Ho Lee
- Department of Marine Bio-materials and Aquaculture, Feeds & Foods Nutrition Research Center, Pukyong National University, Busan 608-737, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Hyeok Lee
- Department of Marine Bio-materials and Aquaculture, Feeds & Foods Nutrition Research Center, Pukyong National University, Busan 608-737, Republic of Korea
| | - Seonghun Won
- Department of Marine Bio-materials and Aquaculture, Feeds & Foods Nutrition Research Center, Pukyong National University, Busan 608-737, Republic of Korea
| | - Jim H Damusaru
- Department of Marine Bio-materials and Aquaculture, Feeds & Foods Nutrition Research Center, Pukyong National University, Busan 608-737, Republic of Korea
| | - Sungchul C Bai
- Department of Marine Bio-materials and Aquaculture, Feeds & Foods Nutrition Research Center, Pukyong National University, Busan 608-737, Republic of Korea
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19
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Bradley MA, Barst BD, Basu N. A Review of Mercury Bioavailability in Humans and Fish. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2017; 14:ijerph14020169. [PMID: 28208586 PMCID: PMC5334723 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14020169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2016] [Revised: 01/14/2017] [Accepted: 01/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
To estimate human exposure to methylmercury (MeHg), risk assessors often assume 95%–100% bioavailability in their models. However, recent research suggests that assuming all, or most, of the ingested mercury (Hg) is absorbed into systemic circulation may be erroneous. The objective of this paper is to review and discuss the available state of knowledge concerning the assimilation or bioavailability of Hg in fish and humans. In fish, this meant reviewing studies on assimilation efficiency, that is the difference between ingested and excreted Hg over a given period of time. In humans, this meant reviewing studies that mostly investigated bioaccessibility (digestive processes) rather than bioavailability (cumulative digestive + absorptive processes), although studies incorporating absorption for a fuller picture of bioavailability were also included where possible. The outcome of this review shows that in a variety of organisms and experimental models that Hg bioavailability and assimilation is less than 100%. Specifically, 25 studies on fish were reviewed, and assimilation efficiencies ranged from 10% to 100% for MeHg and from 2% to 51% for Hg(II). For humans, 20 studies were reviewed with bioaccessibility estimates ranging from 2% to 100% for MeHg and 0.2% to 94% for Hg(II). The overall absorption estimates ranged from 12% to 79% for MeHg and 49% to 69% for Hg(II), and were consistently less than 100%. For both fish and humans, a number of cases are discussed in which factors (e.g., Hg source, cooking methods, nutrients) are shown to affect Hg bioavailability. The summaries presented here challenge a widely-held assumption in the Hg risk assessment field, and the paper discusses possible ways forward for the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Bradley
- School of Dietetics and Human Nutrition, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada.
| | - Benjamin D Barst
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada.
| | - Niladri Basu
- School of Dietetics and Human Nutrition, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada.
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada.
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Olsvik PA, Waagbø R, Hevrøy EM, Remø SC, Søfteland L. In vitro Assessment of Hg Toxicity in Hepatocytes from Heat-Stressed Atlantic Salmon. Biol Trace Elem Res 2016; 174:226-239. [PMID: 27094051 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-016-0670-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2016] [Accepted: 03/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Global warming may alter the bioavailability of contaminants in aquatic environments. In this work, mercury (Hg2+) toxicity was studied in cells obtained from Atlantic salmon smolt kept at 15 °C (optimal growth temperature) for 3 months or at a stepwise increase to 20 °C (temperature-stress) during 3 months prior to cell harvest to evaluate whether acclimation temperature affects Hg toxicity. To examine possible altered dietary requirements in warmer seas, one group of fish following the stepwise temperature regimes was fed a diet spiked with antioxidants. Atlantic salmon hepatocytes were exposed in vitro to 0, 1.0, or 100 μM Hg2+ for 48 h. Cytotoxicity, determined as electrical impedance changes with the xCELLigence system, and transcriptional responses, determined with RT-qPCR, were assessed as measures of toxicity. The results showed that inorganic Hg at a concentration up to 100 μM is not cytotoxic to Atlantic salmon hepatocytes. Significance and directional responses of the 18 evaluated target genes suggest that both Hg and temperature stress affected the transcription of genes encoding proteins involved in the protection against ROS-generated oxidative stress. Both stressors also affected the transcription of genes linked to lipid metabolism. Spiking the diet with antioxidants resulted in higher concentrations of Se and vitamin C and reduced concentration of Hg in the liver in vivo, but no interactions were seen between the dietary supplementation of antioxidants and Hg toxicity in vitro. In conclusion, no evidence was found suggesting that inorganic Hg is more toxic in cells harvested from temperature-stressed fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pål A Olsvik
- National Institute of Nutrition and Seafood Research, Nordnesboder 1-2, N-5005, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Rune Waagbø
- National Institute of Nutrition and Seafood Research, Nordnesboder 1-2, N-5005, Bergen, Norway
| | - Ernst M Hevrøy
- National Institute of Nutrition and Seafood Research, Nordnesboder 1-2, N-5005, Bergen, Norway
- EWOS AS, N-5803, Bergen, Norway
| | - Sofie C Remø
- National Institute of Nutrition and Seafood Research, Nordnesboder 1-2, N-5005, Bergen, Norway
| | - Liv Søfteland
- National Institute of Nutrition and Seafood Research, Nordnesboder 1-2, N-5005, Bergen, Norway
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Achouba A, Dumas P, Ouellet N, Lemire M, Ayotte P. Plasma levels of selenium-containing proteins in Inuit adults from Nunavik. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2016; 96:8-15. [PMID: 27588697 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2016.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2016] [Revised: 08/03/2016] [Accepted: 08/22/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Selenium (Se) is highly abundant in marine foods traditionally consumed by Inuit of Nunavik (Northern Quebec, Canada) and accordingly, their Se intake is among the highest in the world. However, little is known regarding the biological implications of this high Se status in this Arctic indigenous population. We used a method combining affinity chromatography and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry with quantification by post-column isotope dilution to determine total Se levels and concentrations of Se-containing proteins in archived plasma samples of Inuit adults who participated to the 2004 Nunavik Inuit Health Survey (N = 852). Amounts of mercury (Hg) associated with Se-containing proteins were also quantified. Results show that glutathione peroxidase 3 (GPx3), selenoprotein P (SelP) and selenoalbumin (SeAlb) represented respectively 25%, 52% and 23% of total plasma Se concentrations. In addition, small amounts of Hg co-eluted with each Se-containing protein and up to 50% of plasma Hg was associated to SelP. Total plasma Se concentrations (median = 139 μg L− 1; interquartile range (IQR) = 22.7 μg L− 1) were markedly lower and less variable than whole blood Se concentration (median = 261 μg L− 1, IQR = 166 μg L− 1). A non linear relation was observed between whole blood Se and plasma Se levels, with plasma Se concentrations leveling off at approximately 200 μg L− 1, whereas 16% and 3% of individuals exhibited whole blood concentrations higher than 500 μg L− 1 and 1000 μg L− 1, respectively. In contrast, a linear relationship was previously reported in communities consuming Brazil nuts which are rich Se, mainly present as selenomethionine. This suggests that a different selenocompound, possibly selenoneine, is present in the Arctic marine food chain and accumulates in the blood cellular fraction of Inuit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adel Achouba
- Axe santé des Populations et Pratiques Optimales en Santé, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Hôpital du Saint-Sacrement, 1050, chemin Sainte-Foy, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada
| | - Pierre Dumas
- Centre de Toxicologie du Québec, Institut National de santé Publique du Québec (INSPQ), 945 Wolfe, Québec, QC G1V 5B3, Canada
| | - Nathalie Ouellet
- Axe santé des Populations et Pratiques Optimales en Santé, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Hôpital du Saint-Sacrement, 1050, chemin Sainte-Foy, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada
| | - Mélanie Lemire
- Axe santé des Populations et Pratiques Optimales en Santé, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Hôpital du Saint-Sacrement, 1050, chemin Sainte-Foy, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada; Département de Médecine Préventive et Sociale, Université Laval, Pavillon Ferdinand-Vandry, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Pierre Ayotte
- Axe santé des Populations et Pratiques Optimales en Santé, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Hôpital du Saint-Sacrement, 1050, chemin Sainte-Foy, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada; Centre de Toxicologie du Québec, Institut National de santé Publique du Québec (INSPQ), 945 Wolfe, Québec, QC G1V 5B3, Canada; Département de Médecine Préventive et Sociale, Université Laval, Pavillon Ferdinand-Vandry, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada.
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Stafford CP, Downs CC, Langner HW. Mercury Hazard Assessment for Piscivorous Wildlife in Glacier National Park. NORTHWEST SCIENCE 2016. [DOI: 10.3955/046.090.0406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Arantes LP, Peres TV, Chen P, Caito S, Aschner M, Soares FAA. Guarana ( Paullinia cupana Mart.) attenuates methylmercury-induced toxicity in Caenorhabditis elegans. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2016; 5:1629-1638. [PMID: 28316775 DOI: 10.1039/c6tx00161k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The influence of routine guarana (Paullinia cupana) consumption on apparent tolerance to mercury intoxication has been proposed. The present study investigated this hypothesis in Caenorhabditis elegans, a suitable experimental model for studies in toxicology. Wild type (WT) and skn-1 (ok2315) worm strains were pretreated with guarana ethanolic extract (GEE) from larvae 1 (L1) to L4 stage and then exposed for 6 hours to methylmercury (MeHg). The analyses included evaluation of GEE's effects on lethality, developmental delay, feeding, locomotion, gene expression (sod-3, gst-4, sir-2.1, hsf-1, snn-1, mtl-1, mtl-2, aat-1, aat-2 and aat-3) and antioxidant activity. GEE pre-treatment had no aberrant effects on WT worms exposed to MeHg, and protected skn-1 (ok2315) worms, which are more susceptible to environmental stresses. Protective effects of GEE might be dependent on modulation of genes other than those directly involved in antioxidant activity. GEE increased the expression of genes involved in metal transport (aat-2), metal detoxification (mtl-1 and mtl-2) and antioxidant responses (sir-2.1 and sod-3). Thus, routine consumption of guarana might be beneficial in protecting against MeHg-induced toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leticia Priscilla Arantes
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Tanara Vieira Peres
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Pam Chen
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Samuel Caito
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
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Lee JH, Moniruzzaman M, Yun H, Lee S, Park Y, Bai SC. Dietary vitamin C reduced mercury contents in the tissues of juvenile olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) exposed with and without mercury. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2016; 45:8-14. [PMID: 27218434 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2016.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2015] [Revised: 04/28/2016] [Accepted: 05/09/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
A 2×3 factorial design was employed to evaluate the effects of dietary vitamin C (l-ascorblyl-2-monophosphate, C2MP) levels on growth and tissue mercury (Hg) accumulations in juvenile olive flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus. Six experimental diets with two levels of mercuric chloride (0 or 20mg HgCl2/kg diet) and three levels of vitamin C (0, 100, or 200mg C2MP/kg diet) were added to the basal diet. At the end of 6 weeks feeding trial, in presence or absence of dietary Hg, fish body weight gain, specific growth rate, feed efficiency, protein efficiency ratio and whole body lipid content were increased in a dose-dependent manner as dietary vitamin C level increased in the diets. Interestingly, fish fed 100 or 200mg C2MP/kg diets showed significant interactive effects on reducing Hg content in kidney tissue. These results revealed that dietary vitamin C as 100 or 200mg C2MP/kg diet had protective effect against Hg accumulation in juvenile olive flounder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Ho Lee
- Department of Marine Bio-materials and Aquaculture/Feeds & Foods Nutrition Research Center (FFNRC), Pukyong National University, Busan 608-737, Rep. of Korea
| | - Mohammad Moniruzzaman
- Department of Marine Bio-materials and Aquaculture/Feeds & Foods Nutrition Research Center (FFNRC), Pukyong National University, Busan 608-737, Rep. of Korea
| | - Hyeonho Yun
- Department of Marine Bio-materials and Aquaculture/Feeds & Foods Nutrition Research Center (FFNRC), Pukyong National University, Busan 608-737, Rep. of Korea
| | - Seunghan Lee
- Department of Marine Bio-materials and Aquaculture/Feeds & Foods Nutrition Research Center (FFNRC), Pukyong National University, Busan 608-737, Rep. of Korea
| | - Youngjin Park
- Department of Marine Bio-materials and Aquaculture/Feeds & Foods Nutrition Research Center (FFNRC), Pukyong National University, Busan 608-737, Rep. of Korea
| | - Sungchul C Bai
- Department of Marine Bio-materials and Aquaculture/Feeds & Foods Nutrition Research Center (FFNRC), Pukyong National University, Busan 608-737, Rep. of Korea.
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Hubbs-Tait L, Nation JR, Krebs NF, Bellinger DC. Neurotoxicants, Micronutrients, and Social Environments. Psychol Sci Public Interest 2016; 6:57-121. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1529-1006.2005.00024.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
SUMMARY—Systematic research evaluating the separate and interacting impacts of neurotoxicants, micronutrients, and social environments on children's cognition and behavior has only recently been initiated. Years of extensive human epidemiologic and animal experimental research document the deleterious impact of lead and other metals on the nervous system. However, discrepancies among human studies and between animal and human studies underscore the importance of variations in child nutrition as well as social and behavioral aspects of children's environments that mitigate or exacerbate the effects of neurotoxicants. In this monograph, we review existing research on the impact of neurotoxic metals, nutrients, and social environments and interactions across the three domains. We examine the literature on lead, mercury, manganese, and cadmium in terms of dispersal, epidemiology, experimental animal studies, effects of social environments, and effects of nutrition. Research documenting the negative impact of lead on cognition and behavior influenced reductions by the Center for Disease Control in child lead-screening guidelines from 30 micrograms per deciliter (μg/dL) in 1975 to 25 μg/dL in 1985 and to 10 μg/dL in 1991. A further reduction is currently being considered. Experimental animal research documents lead's alteration of glutamate-neurotransmitter (particularly N-methyl-D-aspartate) activity vital to learning and memory. In addition, lead induces changes in cholinergic and dopaminergic activity. Elevated lead concentrations in the blood are more common among children living in poverty and there is some evidence that socioeconomic status influences associations between lead and child outcomes. Micronutrients that influence the effects of lead include iron and zinc. Research documenting the negative impact of mercury on children (as well as adults) has resulted in a reference dose (RfD) of 0.1 microgram per kilogram of body weight per day (μg/kg/day). In animal studies, mercury interferes with glutamatergic, cholinergic, and dopaminergic activity. Although evidence for interactions of mercury with children's social contexts is minimal, researchers are examining interactions of mercury with several nutrients. Research on the effects of cadmium and manganese on child cognition and behavior is just beginning. Experimental animal research links cadmium to learning deficits, manganese to behaviors characteristic of Parkinson's disease, and both to altered dopaminergic functioning. We close our review with a discussion of policy implications, and we recommend interdisciplinary research that will enable us to bridge gaps within and across domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Hubbs-Tait
- Department of Human Development and Family Science, Oklahoma State University
| | | | - Nancy F. Krebs
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine
| | - David C. Bellinger
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School; Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health; and Children's Hospital Boston
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Gribble MO, Karimi R, Feingold BJ, Nyland JF, O'Hara TM, Gladyshev MI, Chen CY. Mercury, selenium and fish oils in marine food webs and implications for human health. JOURNAL OF THE MARINE BIOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED KINGDOM. MARINE BIOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED KINGDOM 2016; 96:43-59. [PMID: 26834292 PMCID: PMC4720108 DOI: 10.1017/s0025315415001356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2015] [Accepted: 07/23/2015] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Humans who eat fish are exposed to mixtures of healthful nutrients and harmful contaminants that are influenced by environmental and ecological factors. Marine fisheries are composed of a multitude of species with varying life histories, and harvested in oceans, coastal waters and estuaries where environmental and ecological conditions determine fish exposure to both nutrients and contaminants. Many of these nutrients and contaminants are thought to influence similar health outcomes (i.e., neurological, cardiovascular, immunological systems). Therefore, our understanding of the risks and benefits of consuming seafood require balanced assessments of contaminants and nutrients found in fish and shellfish. In this paper, we review some of the reported benefits of fish consumption with a focus on the potential hazards of mercury exposure, and compare the environmental variability of fish oils, selenium and mercury in fish. A major scientific gap identified is that fish tissue concentrations are rarely measured for both contaminants and nutrients across a range of species and geographic regions. Interpreting the implications of seafood for human health will require a better understanding of these multiple exposures, particularly as environmental conditions in the oceans change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew O. Gribble
- Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Roxanne Karimi
- School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Beth J. Feingold
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University at Albany School of Public Health, State University of New York, Rensselaer, NY, USA
| | - Jennifer F. Nyland
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Todd M. O'Hara
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Natural Science and Mathematics, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, USA
| | - Michail I. Gladyshev
- Institute of Biophysics of Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Akademgorodok, Krasnoyarsk, Russia
- Siberian Federal University, Krasnoyarsk, Russia
| | - Celia Y. Chen
- Department of Biological Sciences – Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
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Peng Q, Greenfield BK, Dang F, Zhong H. Human exposure to methylmercury from crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) in China. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2016; 38:169-81. [PMID: 25850898 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-015-9701-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2015] [Accepted: 03/30/2015] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) accumulation in aquatic food raises global concerns about human exposure to MeHg. Crayfish is the world's third largest farmed crustacean species and a favorite aquatic food in many countries. However, human health hazard due to MeHg exposure via crayfish consumption is unclear, partly because appropriate survey data are lacking. We report on mercury concentrations and speciation in edible tail muscle of crayfish collected from restaurants in 23 Chinese cities. On average, MeHg constituted 99.1 % of mercury in tail muscle, and MeHg concentrations were comparable with those reported for fish in China. Variation in MeHg concentrations was not attributable to broad geographic region (i.e., provinces) or tail length. For different populations, potential health risk (characterized by hazard quotient or HQ) of MeHg exposure through crayfish consumption depended largely on crayfish consumption rates. In particular, a health hazard (HQ > 1) was found for high-rate consumers (i.e., 95 %ile or higher) in some cities in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River (MLYR), during the peak consumption season. Our results suggest that more attention should be paid to dietary MeHg intake via crayfish consumption in China, particularly for communities with high consumption in MLYR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Peng
- School of Environment, State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Nanjing University, 163 Xian Lin Da Dao, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Ben K Greenfield
- Environmental Health Sciences Division, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Fei Dang
- State Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Huan Zhong
- School of Environment, State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Nanjing University, 163 Xian Lin Da Dao, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
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Heavy Metals and Human Health: Mechanistic Insight into Toxicity and Counter Defense System of Antioxidants. Int J Mol Sci 2015; 16:29592-630. [PMID: 26690422 PMCID: PMC4691126 DOI: 10.3390/ijms161226183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 475] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2015] [Revised: 12/01/2015] [Accepted: 12/03/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Heavy metals, which have widespread environmental distribution and originate from natural and anthropogenic sources, are common environmental pollutants. In recent decades, their contamination has increased dramatically because of continuous discharge in sewage and untreated industrial effluents. Because they are non-degradable, they persist in the environment; accordingly, they have received a great deal of attention owing to their potential health and environmental risks. Although the toxic effects of metals depend on the forms and routes of exposure, interruptions of intracellular homeostasis include damage to lipids, proteins, enzymes and DNA via the production of free radicals. Following exposure to heavy metals, their metabolism and subsequent excretion from the body depends on the presence of antioxidants (glutathione, α-tocopherol, ascorbate, etc.) associated with the quenching of free radicals by suspending the activity of enzymes (catalase, peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase). Therefore, this review was written to provide a deep understanding of the mechanisms involved in eliciting their toxicity in order to highlight the necessity for development of strategies to decrease exposure to these metals, as well as to identify substances that contribute significantly to overcome their hazardous effects within the body of living organisms.
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Methylmercury Increases and Eicosapentaenoic Acid Decreases the Relative Amounts of Arachidonic Acid-Containing Phospholipids in Mouse Brain. Lipids 2015; 51:61-73. [DOI: 10.1007/s11745-015-4087-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2015] [Accepted: 10/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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Toxic trace elements at gastrointestinal level. Food Chem Toxicol 2015; 86:163-75. [PMID: 26482641 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2015.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2015] [Revised: 10/08/2015] [Accepted: 10/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Many trace elements are considered essential [iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu)], whereas others may be harmful [lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), arsenic (As)], depending on their concentration and chemical form. In most cases, the diet is the main pathway by which they enter our organism. The presence of toxic trace elements in food has been known for a long time, and many of the food matrices that carry them have been identified. This has led to the appearance of legislation and recommendations concerning consumption. Given that the main route of exposure is oral, passage through the gastrointestinal tract plays a fundamental role in their entry into the organism, where they exert their toxic effect. Although the digestive system can be considered to be of crucial importance in their toxicity, in most cases we do not know the events that occur during the passage of these elements through the gastrointestinal tract and of ascertaining whether they may have some kind of toxic effect on it. The aim of this review is to summarize available information on this subject, concentrating on the toxic trace elements that are of greatest interest for organizations concerned with food safety and health: Pb, Cd, Hg and As.
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González-Estecha M, Bodas-Pinedo A, Guillén-Pérez JJ, Rubio-Herrera MÁ, Martínez-Álvarez JR, Herráiz-Martínez MÁ, Martell-Claros N, Ordóñez-Iriarte JM, Sáinz-Martín M, Farré-Rovira R, Martínez-Astorquiza T, García-Donaire JA, Calvo-Manuel E, Bretón-Lesmes I, Prieto-Menchero S, Llorente-Ballesteros MT, Martínez-García MJ, Moreno-Rojas R, Salas-Salvadó J, Bermejo-Barrera P, Cuadrado-Cenzual MÁ, Gallardo-Pino C, Fuentes MB, Torres-Moreno M, Trasobares-Iglesias EM, Martín BB, Arroyo-Fernández M, Calle-Pascual A. Consensus document on the prevention of methylmercury exposure in Spain: Study group for the prevention of Me-Hg exposure in Spain (GEPREM-Hg). J Trace Elem Med Biol 2015; 32:122-34. [PMID: 26302920 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2015.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2015] [Accepted: 05/26/2015] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The beneficial effects of fish consumption in both children and adults are well known. However, the intake of methylmercury, mainly from contaminated fish and shellfish, can have adverse health effects. The study group on the prevention of exposure to methylmercury (GEPREM-Hg), made up of representatives from different Spanish scientific societies, has prepared a consensus document in a question and answer format, containing the group's main conclusions, recommendations and proposals. The objective of the document is to provide broader knowledge of factors associated with methylmercury exposure, its possible effects on health amongst the Spanish population, methods of analysis, interpretation of the results and economic costs, and to then set recommendations for fish and shellfish consumption. The group sees the merit of all initiatives aimed at reducing or prohibiting the use of mercury as well as the need to be aware of the results of contaminant analyses performed on fish and shellfish marketed in Spain. In addition, the group believes that biomonitoring systems should be set up in order to follow the evolution of methylmercury exposure in children and adults and perform studies designed to learn more about the possible health effects of concentrations found in the Spanish population, taking into account the lifestyle, eating patterns and the Mediterranean diet.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jordi Salas-Salvadó
- Spanish Federation of Nutrition, Food and Dietetics Societies (FESNAD), Spain
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32
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Lei HL, Wei HJ, Chen PH, Hsi HC, Chien LC. Preliminary study of blood methylmercury effects on reproductive hormones and relevant factors among infertile and pregnant women in Taiwan. CHEMOSPHERE 2015; 135:411-417. [PMID: 26002048 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2015.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2014] [Revised: 04/28/2015] [Accepted: 05/03/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) is the most poisonous mercury species and an endocrine-disrupting chemical that could cause reproductive and developmental harm effects in animals. In this study, we recruited 310 infertile women and 57 pregnant women and investigated their blood MeHg levels. The distribution of blood reproductive hormone, selenium and zinc levels, and the difference of relevant factors by the reference level of blood MeHg (5.8 μg/L) of infertile women were further examined. Results showed that greater percentages of sashimi consumption, frequencies of Chinese herbal medicine use, alcohol consumption, and lack of physical activity were observed in infertile women than those for pregnant women. Blood MeHg concentration was significantly greater in infertile than that in pregnant women. Significant concentration differences for FSH and LH by the dichotomized reference level of blood MeHg (5.8 μg/L) in infertile women were not observed, which may stem from that these reproductive hormones in participated infertile women were mostly in the normal reference range. Consumption of fish and sashimi represented the major source of MeHg exposure in infertile women. MeHg levels were elevated in infertile women, and consistent with fish consumption frequency. Compared to the referent level of blood MeHg levels <5.8 μg/L, the elevated blood MeHg levels (⩾5.8 μg/L) in infertile women were 3.35 and 4.42 folds risk in categorized frequencies of fish consumption 1-2 meals per week and more than 3 meals per week, respectively. The obtained results provide evidences and help updating the advisory of fish consumption and improving women's reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsiao-Ling Lei
- School of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei City 110, Taiwan
| | - Hsiao-Jui Wei
- Infertility Center, Taiwan Adventist Hospital, Taipei City 105, Taiwan; Xiamen EMBO Hospital, Fujian Province, China
| | - Po-Hsi Chen
- Institute of Environmental Engineering and Management, National Taipei University of Technology, Taipei City 106, Taiwan
| | - Hsing-Cheng Hsi
- Graduate Institute of Environmental Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei City 106, Taiwan.
| | - Ling-Chu Chien
- School of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei City 110, Taiwan.
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Li P, Feng X, Chan HM, Zhang X, Du B. Human Body Burden and Dietary Methylmercury Intake: The Relationship in a Rice-Consuming Population. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2015; 49:9682-9689. [PMID: 26189659 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.5b00195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Rice can be the main route of methylmercury (MeHg) exposure for rice-consuming populations living in area where mercury (Hg) is mined. However, the current risk assessment paradigm for MeHg exposure is based on epidemiological data collected from fish-consuming populations. This study was designed to evaluate the relationship between dietary MeHg intake and human body burden in a rice -consuming population from the Wanshan Hg mining area in China. Hair MeHg concentrations averaged 2.07 ± 1.79 μg/g, and the average blood MeHg concentration across the study area ranged from 2.20 to 9.36 μg/L. MeHg constituted 52.8 ± 17.5% and 71.7 ± 18.2% of total Hg (THg) on average in blood and hair samples, respectively. Blood and hair MeHg concentrations, rather than THg, can be used as a proxy of human MeHg exposure. Hair MeHg levels showed no significant monthly variation; however, hair THg can be impacted by inorganic Hg exposure. The toxicokinetic model of MeHg exposure based on fish consumption underestimated the human hair MeHg levels, and this may be a consequence of the high hair-to-blood MeHg ratio (361 ± 105) in the studied rice-consuming population. The use of risk assessment models based on fish consumption may not be appropriate for inland mining areas where rice is the staple food.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Li
- †State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China
| | - Xinbin Feng
- †State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China
| | - Hing-Man Chan
- ‡Centre for Advanced Research in Environmental Genomics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Xiaofeng Zhang
- §Department of Toxicology, Public Health College, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Buyun Du
- †State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China
- !!University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
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Green Tea Increases the Concentration of Total Mercury in the Blood of Rats following an Oral Fish Tissue Bolus. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:320936. [PMID: 26301246 PMCID: PMC4537724 DOI: 10.1155/2015/320936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2014] [Revised: 09/29/2014] [Accepted: 09/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Fish has many health benefits but is also the most common source of methylmercury. The bioavailability of methylmercury in fish may be affected by other meal components. In this study, the effect of green tea on the bioavailability of methylmercury from an oral bolus of fish muscle tissue was studied in rats and compared to a water treated control group and a group treated with meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA), a compound used medically to chelate mercury. Rats were given a single oral dose of fish tissue via gavage and one of the treatments. Rats were given access to food for 3 h at 12 h intervals. They were dosed with each of the treatments with each meal. Blood samples were collected for 95 hours. Green tea significantly increased the concentration of total mercury in blood relative to the control, whereas DMSA significantly decreased it. In addition, feeding caused a slight increase in blood mercury for several meals following the initial dose.
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Krey A, Ostertag SK, Chan HM. Assessment of neurotoxic effects of mercury in beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas), ringed seals (Pusa hispida), and polar bears (Ursus maritimus) from the Canadian Arctic. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2015; 509-510:237-247. [PMID: 24958011 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.05.134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2013] [Revised: 05/19/2014] [Accepted: 05/27/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Marine mammals are indicator species of the Arctic ecosystem and an integral component of the traditional Inuit diet. The potential neurotoxic effects of increased mercury (Hg) in beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas), ringed seals (Pusa hispida), and polar bears (Ursus maritimus) are not clear. We assessed the risk of Hg-associated neurotoxicity to these species by comparing their brain Hg concentrations with threshold concentrations for toxic endpoints detected in laboratory animals and field observations: clinical symptoms (>6.75 mg/kg wet weight (ww)), neuropathological signs (>4 mg/kg ww), neurochemical changes (>0.4 mg/kg ww), and neurobehavioral changes (>0.1mg/kg ww). The total Hg (THg) concentrations in the cerebellum and frontal lobe of ringed seals and polar bears were <0.5mg/kg ww, whereas the average concentration in beluga whale brain was >3mg/kg ww. Our results suggest that brain THg levels in polar bears are below levels that induce neurobehavioral effects as reported in the literature, while THg concentrations in ringed seals are within the range that elicit neurobehavioral effects and individual ringed seals exceed the threshold for neurochemical changes. The relatively high THg concentration in beluga whales exceeds all of the neurotoxicity thresholds assessed. High brain selenium (Se):Hg molar ratios were observed in all three species, suggesting that Se could protect the animals from Hg-associated neurotoxicity. This assessment was limited by several factors that influence neurotoxic effects in animals, including: animal species; form of Hg in the brain; and interactions with modifiers of Hg-associated toxicity, such as Se. Comparing brain Hg concentrations in wildlife with concentrations of appropriate laboratory studies can be used as a tool for risk characterization of the neurotoxic effects of Hg in Arctic marine mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anke Krey
- Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, University of Northern British Columbia, 3333 University Way, Prince George, BC V2N 4Z9, Canada.
| | - Sonja K Ostertag
- Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, University of Northern British Columbia, 3333 University Way, Prince George, BC V2N 4Z9, Canada.
| | - Hing Man Chan
- Center for Advanced Research in Environmental Genomics, University of Ottawa, 20 Marie-Curie, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada.
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36
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Cardoso C, Afonso C, Lourenço HM, Nunes ML. Assessing risks and benefits of consuming fish muscle and liver: Novel statistical tools. J Food Compost Anal 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jfca.2014.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Doke DA, Hudson SL, Dawson JA, Gohlke JM. Effects of early life exposure to methylmercury in Daphnia pulex on standard and reduced food ration. Reprod Toxicol 2014; 49:219-25. [PMID: 25263226 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2014.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2014] [Revised: 08/08/2014] [Accepted: 09/16/2014] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
As a well-known eco-toxicological model organism, Daphnia pulex may also offer advantages in human health research for assessing long-term effects of early life exposures to coupled stressors. Here, we examine consequences of early life exposure to methylmercury (MeHg) under standard and reduced food ration. We exposed Daphnia for 24h in early life to varying concentrations of methylmercury(II) chloride (0, 200, 400, 800 and 1600ng/L) and thereafter kept Daphnia on either a standard or a reduced food ration. The data suggests an additive effect of MeHg concentration and food ration on decreasing lifespan, although MeHg concentration does not affect survival linearly. Food ration and MeHg concentration were predictive of reduced reproduction, and there is some evidence of an interaction (p=0.048). Multi-stressor work in alternative model systems may be useful for prioritizing research, taking into account potential antagonistic, additive or synergistic effects that nutritional status may have on chemical toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dzigbodi A Doke
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Sherri L Hudson
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - John A Dawson
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Julia M Gohlke
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
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38
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Raimundo J, Pereira P, Vale C, Canário J, Gaspar M. Relations between total mercury, methylmercury and selenium in five tissues of Sepia officinalis captured in the south Portuguese coast. CHEMOSPHERE 2014; 108:190-196. [PMID: 24582035 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2014.01.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2013] [Revised: 12/23/2013] [Accepted: 01/05/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Mercury, methylmercury and selenium were determined in digestive gland, branchial hearts, mantle, kidney and gills of Sepia officinalis from two areas of the south Portuguese coast. To the best of our knowledge these are the first data on Hg, MeHg and Se in branchial hearts, kidney and gills of cuttlefish. Digestive gland, branchial hearts and kidney presented higher levels of Hg and Se than mantle and gills. Methylmercury was significantly higher in digestive gland, branchial hearts and mantle. The enhanced levels of Hg in digestive gland and branchial heart reinforce the elevated storage capacity of these two tissues. The percentage of MeHg varied from 6.1% in gills to 92% in mantle. Linear and positive MeHg-Hg relations were obtained for the five tissues, being the better relation and higher slope observed for mantle, followed by branchial hearts, digestive gland, kidney and gills. The Se:Hg molar ratios showed a surplus of Se in all tissues. Calculations based on the equimolarity of Se:Hg point that 95-99% of Se are not linked to Hg (Se free). The negligible quantity of Se associated with Hg suggests that the mechanism of MeHg demethylation was not triggered in none of the tissues, presumably because the threshold for MeHg toxicity was not achieved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Raimundo
- IPMA, Portuguese Institute of Sea and Atmosphere, Av. Brasília, 1449-006 Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Patrícia Pereira
- IPMA, Portuguese Institute of Sea and Atmosphere, Av. Brasília, 1449-006 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Carlos Vale
- IPMA, Portuguese Institute of Sea and Atmosphere, Av. Brasília, 1449-006 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - João Canário
- IPMA, Portuguese Institute of Sea and Atmosphere, Av. Brasília, 1449-006 Lisbon, Portugal; CQE, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Miguel Gaspar
- IPMA, Portuguese Institute of Sea and Atmosphere, Av. 5 de Outubro, 8700-305 Olhão, Portugal
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Rothenberg SE, Windham-Myers L, Creswell JE. Rice methylmercury exposure and mitigation: a comprehensive review. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2014; 133:407-23. [PMID: 24972509 PMCID: PMC4119557 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2014.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2013] [Revised: 01/25/2014] [Accepted: 03/01/2014] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Rice cultivation practices from field preparation to post-harvest transform rice paddies into hot spots for microbial mercury methylation, converting less-toxic inorganic mercury to more-toxic methylmercury, which is likely translocated to rice grain. This review includes 51 studies reporting rice total mercury and/or methylmercury concentrations, based on rice (Orzya sativa) cultivated or purchased in 15 countries. Not surprisingly, both rice total mercury and methylmercury levels were significantly higher in polluted sites compared to non-polluted sites (Wilcoxon rank sum, p<0.001). However, rice percent methylmercury (of total mercury) did not differ statistically between polluted and non-polluted sites (Wilcoxon rank sum, p=0.35), suggesting comparable mercury methylation rates in paddy soil across these sites and/or similar accumulation of mercury species for these rice cultivars. Studies characterizing the effects of rice cultivation under more aerobic conditions were reviewed to determine the mitigation potential of this practice. Rice management practices utilizing alternating wetting and drying (instead of continuous flooding) caused soil methylmercury levels to spike, resulting in a strong methylmercury pulse after fields were dried and reflooded; however, it is uncertain whether this led to increased translocation of methylmercury from paddy soil to rice grain. Due to the potential health risks, it is advisable to investigate this issue further, and to develop separate water management strategies for mercury polluted and non-polluted sites, in order to minimize methylmercury exposure through rice ingestion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Rothenberg
- University of South Carolina, Arnold School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, 921 Assembly Street, Room 401, Columbia, SC 29208, USA.
| | | | - Joel E Creswell
- Brooks Rand Instruments, 4415 6th Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107, USA.
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Basu N, Goodrich JM, Head J. Ecogenetics of mercury: from genetic polymorphisms and epigenetics to risk assessment and decision-making. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2014; 33:1248-58. [PMID: 24038486 DOI: 10.1002/etc.2375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2013] [Revised: 05/10/2013] [Accepted: 08/08/2013] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The risk assessment of mercury (Hg), in both humans and wildlife, is made challenging by great variability in exposure and health effects. Although disease risk arises following complex interactions between genetic ("nature") and environmental ("nurture") factors, most Hg studies thus far have focused solely on environmental factors. In recent years, ecogenetic-based studies have emerged and have started to document genetic and epigenetic factors that may indeed influence the toxicokinetics or toxicodynamics of Hg. The present study reviews these studies and discusses their utility in terms of Hg risk assessment, management, and policy and offers perspectives on fruitful areas for future research. In brief, epidemiological studies on populations exposed to inorganic Hg (e.g., dentists and miners) or methylmercury (e.g., fish consumers) are showing that polymorphisms in a number of environmentally responsive genes can explain variations in Hg biomarker values and health outcomes. Studies on mammals (wildlife, humans, rodents) are showing Hg exposures to be related to epigenetic marks such as DNA methylation. Such findings are beginning to increase understanding of the mechanisms of action of Hg, and in doing so they may help identify candidate biomarkers and pinpoint susceptible groups or life stages. Furthermore, they may help refine uncertainty factors and thus lead to more accurate risk assessments and improved decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niladri Basu
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Biomarkers of mercury exposure in the Amazon. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:867069. [PMID: 24895619 PMCID: PMC4020561 DOI: 10.1155/2014/867069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2013] [Accepted: 04/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Mercury exposure in the Amazon has been studied since the 1980s decade and the assessment of human mercury exposure in the Amazon is difficult given that the natural occurrence of this metal is high and the concentration of mercury in biological samples of this population exceeds the standardized value of normality established by WHO. Few studies have focused on the discovery of mercury biomarkers in the region's population. In this way, some studies have used genetics as well as immunological and cytogenetic tools in order to find a molecular biomarker for assessing the toxicological effect of mercury in the Amazonian population. Most of those studies focused attention on the relation between mercury exposure and autoimmunity and, because of that, they will be discussed in more detail. Here we introduce the general aspects involved with each biomarker that was studied in the region in order to contextualize the reader and add information about the Amazonian life style and health that may be considered for future studies. We hope that, in the future, the toxicological studies in this field use high technological tools, such as the next generation sequencing and proteomics skills, in order to comprehend basic questions regarding the metabolic route of mercury in populations that are under constant exposure, such as in the Amazon.
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Cardoso C, Afonso C, Lourenço H, Nunes ML. Seafood consumption health concerns: The assessment of methylmercury, selenium, and eicosapentaenoic+docosahexaenoic fatty acids intake. Food Control 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2013.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Olsvik PA, Lindgren M, Maage A. Mercury contamination in deep-water fish: transcriptional responses in tusk (Brosme brosme) from a fjord gradient. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2013; 144-145:172-185. [PMID: 24184472 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2013.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2013] [Revised: 09/19/2013] [Accepted: 10/01/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Recent findings have shown that deep-water fish from coastal areas may contain elevated levels of mercury (Hg). Tusk (Brosme brosme) was collected from six locations in Hardangerfjord, a fjord system where the inner parts are contaminated by metals due to historic industrial activity. ICPMS was used to determine the accumulated levels of metals (Hg, MeHg, Cd, Pb, As, and Se) in the fish, whereas oxidative status of the liver was assessed by measuring TBARS, vitamin C, vitamin E and catalase activity. To find out whether accumulated Hg triggers toxicologically relevant transcriptional responses and in order to gain genomic knowledge from a non-model species, the liver transcriptome of the gadoid fish was sequenced and assembled, and RNA-seq and RT-qPCR were used to screen for effects of Hg. The results showed high levels of accumulated Hg in tusk liver, probably reflecting an adaptation to deep-water life history, and only a weak declining outward fjord gradient of Hg concentration in tusk liver. MeHg only accounted for about 17% of total Hg in liver, suggesting hepatotoxicity of both inorganic and organic Hg. Pathway analysis suggested an effect of Hg exposure on lipid metabolism and beta-oxidation in liver. Oxidative stress markers glutathione peroxidase 1 and ferritin mRNA, as well as vitamin C and vitamin E (alpha and gamma tocopherol) showed a significant correlation with accumulated levels of Hg. Many transcripts of genes encoding established markers for Hg exposure were co-regulated in the fish. In conclusion, tusk from Hardangerfjord contains high levels of Hg, with possible hepatic effects on lipid metabolism and oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pål A Olsvik
- National Institute of Nutrition and Seafood Research, Nordnesboder 1-2, N-5005 Bergen, Norway.
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Maulvault AL, Cardoso C, Nunes ML, Marques A. Risk–benefit assessment of cooked seafood: Black scabbard fish (Aphanopus carbo) and edible crab (Cancer pagurus) as case studies. Food Control 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2013.01.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Kehrig HA, Seixas TG, Di Beneditto APM, Malm O. Selenium and mercury in widely consumed seafood from South Atlantic Ocean. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2013; 93:156-162. [PMID: 23628606 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2013.03.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2012] [Revised: 03/27/2013] [Accepted: 03/28/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The growing ingestion of predatory fish by humans has increased their exposure to toxic chemicals. Mercury (Hg) is an exogenous and harmful trace-element that accumulates in all marine organisms. Selenium (Se) is nutritionally important as a micronutrient, but is potentially harmful at intakes above 1mg per day. Se:Hg molar ratios in excess of 1:1 are thought to counteract the adverse effects of Hg, protecting against Hg toxicity. Evaluation of the health risk posed by Hg exposure from seafood consumption requires concurrent consideration of Se content in the same individuals. This study evaluated the Se and Hg concentrations in the edible tissues of 652 individual samples of commonly consumed varieties of carnivorous and planktivorous fish, squid, mussel, shrimp and crab collected from south-eastern Brazil. The Se:Hg molar ratios showed significant variation among and within tropical seafood. All organisms presented Se concentration in muscle of less than 2.0µgg(-1), the maximum allowed selenium concentrations. Only seven individuals of a carnivorous fish species presented Hg in muscle above the maximum permissible limit of 0.5µgg(-1) established by WHO and Brazilian legislation for human consumption of most aquatic species. These same individuals also showed Se:Hg molar ratio of less than 1:1. Se:Hg molar ratios were found to decline with increasing fish length, potentially reducing Se-dependent protection. As a result of their rich Se, low Hg contents and Se:Hg molar ratios exceeding 1:1, nearly all species included in this study provide benefits for human consumption. Two popular seafoods in the region, the carnivorous fish Centropomus undecimalis (common snook) and Micropogonias furnieri (Atlantic croaker), had the most favorable Se:Hg molar ratio values of 33 and 21, respectively. Among the invertebrates, Xiphopenaeus kroyeri (seabob shrimp) and Loligo sanpaulensis (squid) had the most favorable Se:Hg molar ratio values, higher than 20. A selenium health benefit value based on the absolute amounts and relative proportions of Se and Hg in seafood was proposed as a more comprehensive seafood safety criterion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena A Kehrig
- Lab. de Radioisótopos Eduardo Penna Franca, IBCCF, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21941-902 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
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Deepmala J, Deepak M, Srivastav S, Sangeeta S, Kumar SA, Kumar SS. Protective effect of combined therapy with dithiothreitol, zinc and selenium protects acute mercury induced oxidative injury in rats. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2013; 27:249-56. [PMID: 23428462 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2012.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2012] [Revised: 11/10/2012] [Accepted: 12/13/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The present study was undertaken to establish mode of action, comparative therapeutic efficacy and safety evaluation of dithiothreitol (DTT) supplemented with Zn and Se against dimethylmercury in rats. Adult male albino rats of Sprague-Dawley strain (150±10 g, n=6 per group) were exposed a bolus dose of dimethylmercury (10 mg/kg, p.o.) for once only followed by DTT (15.4 mg/kg, i.p.) along with the combination of antioxidants Zn and Se (2 mmol/kg and 0.5 mg/kg, p.o.) after 72 h of toxicant administration for three days. The results showed a significant (P≤0.05) increase in the activities of AST, ALT, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, in serum after toxicant administration. This was accompanied by histopathological observations. A significant rise was observed in lipid peroxidation level and mercury ion concentration however reduced glutathione content decreased in liver, kidney and brain. A significant (P≤0.05) decrease in the activity of acetyl cholinesterase was also seen in different regions of brain. Combined treatment of DTT along with Zn and Se significantly (P≤0.05) recouped the alterations in the enzymatic activities of serum and reversed the tissue biochemical and histopathological changes of liver, kidney and brain. Our results demonstrate that combined treatment of thiol chelator (DTT) along with antioxidants (Zn and Se) plays an important role against dimethylmercury induced tissue damage and hepatic, nephro and neurotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshi Deepmala
- Reproductive Biology and Toxicology Laboratory, UNESCO Satellite Center of Trace Element Research & School of Studies in Zoology, Jiwaji University, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India.
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Chang HY, Chang HT, Hung YL, Hsiung TM, Lin YW, Huang CC. Ligand effect on the luminescence of gold nanodots and its application for detection of total mercury ions in biological samples. RSC Adv 2013. [DOI: 10.1039/c3ra23036h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
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Jahromi EZ, Gailer J. Improved selectivity of ZnNa3DTPA vs. Na5DTPA to abstract Cd2+ from plasma proteins in vitro. Metallomics 2013; 5:615-8. [DOI: 10.1039/c3mt00034f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Cunha LRD, Costa THMD, Caldas ED. Mercury concentration in breast milk and infant exposure assessment during the first 90 days of lactation in a midwestern region of Brazil. Biol Trace Elem Res 2013; 151:30-7. [PMID: 23152002 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-012-9542-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2012] [Accepted: 10/31/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Breast milk samples collected from 18 nursing mothers between the 15th and 90th day of lactation were digested in nitric acid in a microwave, and total mercury (THg) levels were quantified by atomic fluorescence spectrometry. Participants responded to a 24-h dietary recall questionnaire on the 74th and 76th day of lactation and to a Food Frequency Questionnaire querying the frequency of fish intake over the last 90 days. Usual intake was estimated using the PC-SIDE software package. A meal of fish was offered on the 75th day of lactation. Mothers' individual mean THg levels ranged from <0.76 to 22.7 ng/mL during the period, and the mean level for all samples (n = 142) was 6.47 ±6.04 ng/mL. The multilevel mixed linear model used showed high heterogeneity of the mercury levels among the mothers, and THg levels did not change significantly over the period under study. However, a significant increase in THg levels was observed after the intervention with the fish meal. Exposure increased for most infants on the 90th day of lactation, with intakes exceeding the THg provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) at least once during the period for 77.8 % of samples. Mothers consumed mostly food from the fat and grain groups, and a significant correlation was detected between consumption of food of these groups and breast milk THg levels (p = 0.006 and 0.007). A significant correlation was also found between vegetable consumption and carbohydrate intake and THg levels in the samples (p = 0.015 and 0.045, respectively). No correlation was found between mothers' daily fish consumption frequency and THg levels. Although this study showed that mercury intake by infants during lactation may exceed the toxicologically safe exposure level (PTWI), we nevertheless believe that the benefits of lactation for both the mother and the infant outweigh the eventual risks that this exposure may represent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leandro Rodrigues da Cunha
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Faculty of Health Science, University of Brasilia, Campus Darcy Ribeiro, Brasilia, Brazil
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