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Zaman SF, Samms-Vaughan M, Saroukhani S, Bressler J, Hessabi M, Grove ML, Pellington SS, Loveland KA, Rahbar MH. Factors associated with blood mercury concentrations and their interactions with three glutathione S-transferase genes (GSTT1, GSTM1, and GSTP1): an exposure assessment study of typically developing Jamaican children. BMC Pediatr 2024; 24:14. [PMID: 38178055 PMCID: PMC10765857 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-023-04452-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Jamaican soil is abundant in heavy metals including mercury (Hg). Due to availability and ease of access, fish is a traditional dietary component in Jamaica and a significant source of Hg exposure. Mercury is a xenobiotic and known neuro-toxicant that affects children's neurodevelopment. Human glutathione S-transferase (GST) genes, including GSTT1, GSTM1, and GSTP1, affect Hg conjugation and elimination mechanisms. METHODS In this exposure assessment study we used data from 375 typically developing (TD) 2-8-year-old Jamaican children to explore the association between environmental Hg exposure, GST genes, and their interaction effects on blood Hg concentrations (BHgCs). We used multivariable general linear models (GLMs). RESULTS We identified the child's age, consumption of saltwater fish, canned fish (sardine, mackerel), string beans, grain, and starches (pasta, macaroni, noodles) as the environmental factors significantly associated with BHgCs (all P < 0.05). A significant interaction between consumption of canned fish (sardine, mackerel) and GSTP1 in relation to BHgC using either a co-dominant or recessive genetic model (overall interaction P = 0.01 and P < 0.01, respectively) indicated that consumption of canned fish (sardine, mackerel) was significantly associated with higher mean BHgC only among children with the GSTP1 Ile105Val, Ile/Ile [Ratio of mean Hg (95% CI) = 1.59 (1.09, 2.32), P = 0.02] and Ile/Val [Ratio of mean Hg (95% CI) = 1.46 (1.12, 1.91), P = 0.01] genotypes. CONCLUSIONS Since this is the first study from Jamaica to report these findings, replication in other populations is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheikh Farzana Zaman
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics, and Environmental Sciences (EHGES), School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Biostatistics/Epidemiology/Research Design (BERD) Component, Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences (CCTS), The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Maureen Samms-Vaughan
- Department of Child & Adolescent Health, The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona Campus, Kingston 7, Kingston, Jamaica
| | - Sepideh Saroukhani
- Biostatistics/Epidemiology/Research Design (BERD) Component, Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences (CCTS), The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Clinical and Translational Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Jan Bressler
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics, and Environmental Sciences (EHGES), School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Human Genetics Center, School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Manouchehr Hessabi
- Biostatistics/Epidemiology/Research Design (BERD) Component, Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences (CCTS), The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Megan L Grove
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics, and Environmental Sciences (EHGES), School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Human Genetics Center, School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Sydonnie Shakespeare Pellington
- Department of Child & Adolescent Health, The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona Campus, Kingston 7, Kingston, Jamaica
| | - Katherine A Loveland
- Louis A Faillace, MD, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77054, USA
| | - Mohammad H Rahbar
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics, and Environmental Sciences (EHGES), School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- Biostatistics/Epidemiology/Research Design (BERD) Component, Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences (CCTS), The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Clinical and Translational Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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Dack K, Bustamante M, Taylor CM, Llop S, Lozano M, Yousefi P, Gražulevičienė R, Gutzkow KB, Brantsæter AL, Mason D, Escaramís G, Lewis SJ. Genome-Wide Association Study of Blood Mercury in European Pregnant Women and Children. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:2123. [PMID: 38136945 PMCID: PMC10742428 DOI: 10.3390/genes14122123] [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: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Mercury has high industrial utility and is present in many products, and environmental contamination and occupational exposure are widespread. There are numerous biological systems involved in the absorption, metabolism, and excretion of Hg, and it is possible that some systems may be impacted by genetic variation. If so, genotype may affect tissue concentrations of Hg and subsequent toxic effects. Genome-wide association testing was performed on blood Hg samples from pregnant women of the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (n = 2893) and children of the Human Early Life Exposome (n = 1042). Directly-genotyped single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were imputed to the Haplotype Reference Consortium r1.1 panel of whole genotypes and modelled againstlog-transformed Hg. Heritability was estimated using linkage disequilibrium score regression. The heritability of Hg was estimated as 24.0% (95% CI: 16.9% to 46.4%) in pregnant women, but could not be determined in children. There were 16 SNPs associated with Hg in pregnant women above a suggestive p-value threshold (p < 1 × 10-5), and 21 for children. However, no SNP passed this threshold in both studies, and none were genome-wide significant (p < 5 × 10-8). SNP-Hg associations were highly discordant between women and children, and this may reflect differences in metabolism, a gene-age interaction, or dose-response effects. Several suggestive variants had plausible links to Hg metabolism, such as rs146099921 in metal transporter SLC39A14, and two variants (rs28618224, rs7154700) in potassium voltage-gated channel genes. The findings would benefit from external validation, as suggestive results may contain both true associations and false positives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle Dack
- Medical Research Council Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TH, UK; (K.D.)
| | - Mariona Bustamante
- ISGlobal, Institute for Global Health, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), 08018 Barcelona, Spain
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain (G.E.)
| | - Caroline M. Taylor
- Centre for Academic Child Health, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2PS, UK;
| | - Sabrina Llop
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain (G.E.)
- Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO- Universitat Jaume I - Universitat de València, 46020 Valencia, Spain
| | - Manuel Lozano
- Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO- Universitat Jaume I - Universitat de València, 46020 Valencia, Spain
- Department of Preventative Medicine, Food Sciences, Toxicology and Forensic Medicine Department, Universitat de València, 46100 Valencia, Spain
| | - Paul Yousefi
- Medical Research Council Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TH, UK; (K.D.)
| | - Regina Gražulevičienė
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Vytautas Magnus University, 53361 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Kristine Bjerve Gutzkow
- Department of Air Quality and Noise, Division of Climate and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, P.O. Box 222 Skoyen, NO-0213 Oslo, Norway;
| | - Anne Lise Brantsæter
- Department of Food Safety, Division of Climate and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, P.O. Box 222 Skoyen, NO-0213 Oslo, Norway
| | - Dan Mason
- Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Duckworth Lane, Bradford BD9 6RJ, UK
| | - Georgia Escaramís
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain (G.E.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sarah J. Lewis
- Medical Research Council Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TH, UK; (K.D.)
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TH, UK
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da Silva MC, de Oliveira RAA, de Vasconcellos ACS, Rebouças BH, Pinto BD, Lima MDO, de Jesus IM, Machado DE, Hacon SS, Basta PC, Perini JA. Chronic Mercury Exposure and GSTP1 Polymorphism in Munduruku Indigenous from Brazilian Amazon. TOXICS 2023; 11:138. [PMID: 36851015 PMCID: PMC9965510 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11020138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Genetic polymorphisms may be involved with mercury levels and signs and symptoms of intoxication from this exposure. Therefore, the aims were to describe the frequency of the GSTP1 polymorphism and to evaluate its effects on mercury levels and neurological signs in three Munduruku indigenous villages in the Brazilian Amazon. One-hundred-and-seven indigenous (over 12 years old) were included and genotyped (rs1695) using a TaqMan validated assay. Then, associations were evaluated by binary logistic regression, using odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Mean age was 27.4 ± 13.9 years old, 52.3% were male, mean hair mercury concentration was 8.5 ± 4.3, exceeding the reference limit (≥6.0 µg/g), and were different among the three villages: 13.5 ± 4.6 µg/g in Sawré Aboy, 7.4 ± 2.3 µg/g in Poxo Muybu and 6.9 ± 3.5 µg/g in Sawré Muybu. The minor allele frequency of GSTP1 G was significantly different among the villages: 57% Sawré Muybu, 21% Poxo Muybu and 15% Sawré Aboy. Finally, after adjustment, GSTP1 GG and GA genotypes were associated with lower levels of Hg (OR = 0.13; CI95% = 0.03-0.49) and abnormal somatosensory signs (OR = 3.7; 95%IC = 1.5-9.3), respectively. In conclusion, monitoring this population is imperative to identify individuals at higher risk of developing signs of chronic mercury exposure based on the genetic profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayara Calixto da Silva
- Research Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Sciences (LAPESF), State University of Rio de Janeiro (West Zone-UERJ-ZO), Rio de Janeiro 23070-200, Brazil
- Program of Post-Graduation in Public Health and Environment, National School of Public Health (ENSP), Oswald Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
| | | | - Ana Claudia Santiago de Vasconcellos
- Laboratory of Professional Education in Health Surveillance, Polytechnic School of Health Joaquim Venâcio (EPSJV), Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Bruno Hojo Rebouças
- Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 01246-903, Brazil
| | - Bruna Duarte Pinto
- Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 01246-903, Brazil
| | - Marcelo de Oliveira Lima
- Environment Section (SEAMB), Evandro Chagas Institute (IEC), Health Surveillance Secretariat (SVS), Ministry of Health (MS), Ananindeua 67030-000, Brazil
| | - Iracina Maura de Jesus
- Environment Section (SEAMB), Evandro Chagas Institute (IEC), Health Surveillance Secretariat (SVS), Ministry of Health (MS), Ananindeua 67030-000, Brazil
| | - Daniel Escorsim Machado
- Research Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Sciences (LAPESF), State University of Rio de Janeiro (West Zone-UERJ-ZO), Rio de Janeiro 23070-200, Brazil
| | - Sandra Souza Hacon
- Department of Endemic Diseases Samuel Pessoa, ENSP, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro 21041-210, Brazil
| | - Paulo Cesar Basta
- Program of Post-Graduation in Public Health and Environment, National School of Public Health (ENSP), Oswald Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
- Department of Endemic Diseases Samuel Pessoa, ENSP, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro 21041-210, Brazil
| | - Jamila Alessandra Perini
- Research Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Sciences (LAPESF), State University of Rio de Janeiro (West Zone-UERJ-ZO), Rio de Janeiro 23070-200, Brazil
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Rahbar MH, Samms-Vaughan M, Zhao Y, Saroukhani S, Bressler J, Hessabi M, Grove ML, Shakespeare-Pellington S, Loveland KA. Interactions between Environmental Factors and Glutathione S-Transferase (GST) Genes with Respect to Detectable Blood Aluminum Concentrations in Jamaican Children. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13101907. [PMID: 36292793 PMCID: PMC9601654 DOI: 10.3390/genes13101907] [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: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Aluminum (Al) is a metallic toxicant at high concentrations following natural or unnatural exposures. Dietary intake is considered as the main source of aluminum exposure in children. We used data from 366 typically developing (TD) children (ages 2−8 years) who participated as controls in an age- and sex-matched case−control study in Jamaica. We investigated additive and interactive associations among environmental factors and children’s genotypes for glutathione S-transferase (GST) genes (GSTT1, GSTM1, GSTP1), in relation to having a detectable blood aluminum concentration (BAlC) of >5.0 μg/L, using multivariable logistic regression models. Findings from interactive models revealed that the odds of having a detectable BAlC was significantly higher among children who ate string beans (p ≤ 0.01), whereas about 40% lower odds of having a detectable BAlC was observed in children with higher parental education level, (p = 0.02). A significant interaction between consumption of saltwater fish and GSTP1 in relation to having a detectable BAlC using either co-dominant or dominant genetic models (overall interaction p = 0.02 for both models) indicated that consumption of saltwater fish was associated with higher odds of having a detectable BAlC only among children with the GSTP1 Ile105Val Ile/Ile genotype using either co-dominant or dominant models [OR (95% CI) = 2.73 (1.07, 6.96), p = 0.04; and OR (95% CI) = 2.74 (1.08, 6.99), p = 0.03]. Since this is the first study from Jamaica that reports such findings, replication in other populations is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad H. Rahbar
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics, and Environmental Sciences (EHGES), School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Biostatistics/Epidemiology/Research Design (BERD) Component, Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences (CCTS), The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Division of Clinical and Translational Sciences, Department of Internal Medicine, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-713-500-7901; Fax: +1-713-500-0766
| | - Maureen Samms-Vaughan
- Department of Child & Adolescent Health, The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona Campus, Kingston 7, Jamaica
| | - Yuansong Zhao
- Biostatistics/Epidemiology/Research Design (BERD) Component, Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences (CCTS), The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Biostatistics & Data Science, School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Sepideh Saroukhani
- Biostatistics/Epidemiology/Research Design (BERD) Component, Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences (CCTS), The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Division of Clinical and Translational Sciences, Department of Internal Medicine, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jan Bressler
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics, and Environmental Sciences (EHGES), School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Human Genetics Center, School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Manouchehr Hessabi
- Biostatistics/Epidemiology/Research Design (BERD) Component, Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences (CCTS), The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Megan L. Grove
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics, and Environmental Sciences (EHGES), School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Human Genetics Center, School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | | | - Katherine A. Loveland
- Louis A Faillace, MD, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77054, USA
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Methylmercury and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Mediterranean Seafood: A Molecular Anthropological Perspective. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/app112311179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Eating seafood has numerous health benefits; however, it constitutes one of the main sources of exposure to several harmful environmental pollutants, both of anthropogenic and natural origin. Among these, methylmercury and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons give rise to concerns related to their possible effects on human biology. In the present review, we summarize the results of epidemiological investigations on the genetic component of individual susceptibility to methylmercury and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons exposure in humans, and on the effects that these two pollutants have on human epigenetic profiles (DNA methylation). Then, we provide evidence that Mediterranean coastal communities represent an informative case study to investigate the potential impact of methylmercury and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons on the human genome and epigenome, since they are characterized by a traditionally high local seafood consumption, and given the characteristics that render the Mediterranean Sea particularly polluted. Finally, we discuss the challenges of a molecular anthropological approach to this topic.
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Erythrocytes as a Model for Heavy Metal-Related Vascular Dysfunction: The Protective Effect of Dietary Components. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22126604. [PMID: 34203038 PMCID: PMC8235350 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Heavy metals are toxic environmental pollutants associated with severe ecological and human health risks. Among them is mercury (Hg), widespread in air, soil, and water, due to its peculiar geo-biochemical cycle. The clinical consequences of Hg exposure include neurotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. Furthermore, increased risk for cardiovascular diseases is also reported due to a direct effect on cardiovascular tissues, including endothelial cells, recently identified as important targets for the harmful action of heavy metals. In this review, we will discuss the rationale for the potential use of erythrocytes as a surrogate model to study Hg-related toxicity on the cardiovascular system. The toxic effects of Hg on erythrocytes have been amply investigated in the last few years. Among the observed alterations, phosphatidylserine exposure has been proposed as an underlying mechanism responsible for Hg-induced increased proatherogenic and prothrombotic activity of these cells. Furthermore, following Hg-exposure, a decrease in NOS activity has also been reported, with consequent lowering of NO bioavailability, thus impairing endothelial function. An additional mechanism that may induce a decrease in NO availability is the generation of an oxidative microenvironment. Finally, considering that chronic Hg exposure mainly occurs through contaminated foods, the protective effect of dietary components is also discussed.
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Medina Pérez OM, Flórez-Vargas O, Rincón Cruz G, Rondón González F, Rocha Muñoz L, Sánchez Rodríguez LH. Glutathione-related genetic polymorphisms are associated with mercury retention and nephrotoxicity in gold-mining settings of a Colombian population. Sci Rep 2021; 11:8716. [PMID: 33888803 PMCID: PMC8062595 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-88137-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) vapor can produce kidney injury, where the proximal tubule region of the nephron is the main target of the Hg-induced oxidative stress. Hg is eliminated from the body as a glutathione conjugate. Thus, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in glutathione-related genes might modulate the negative impact of this metal on the kidneys. Glutathione-related SNPs were tested for association with levels of Hg and renal function biomarkers between occupationally exposed (n = 160) and non-exposed subjects (n = 121). SNPs were genotyped by TaqMan assays in genomic DNA samples. Total mercury concentration was measured in blood, urine and hair samples. Regression analyses were performed to estimate the effects of SNPs on quantitative traits. Alleles GCLM rs41303970-T and GSTP1 rs4147581-C were significantly overrepresented in the exposed compared with the non-exposed group (P < 0.01). We found significant associations for GCLM rs41303970-T with higher urinary clearance rate of Hg (β = 0.062, P = 0.047), whereas GCLC rs1555903-C was associated with lower levels of estimated glomerular filtration rate in the non-exposed group (eGFR, β = − 3.22, P = 0.008) and beta-2-microglobulin in the exposed group (β-2MCG, β = − 19.32, P = 0.02). A SNP-SNP interaction analysis showed significant epistasis between GSTA1 rs3957356-C and GSS rs3761144-G with higher urinary levels of Hg in the exposed (β = 0.13, P = 0.04) but not in the non-exposed group. Our results suggest that SNPs in glutathione-related genes could modulate the pathogenesis of Hg nephrotoxicity in our study population by modulating glutathione concentrations in individuals occupationally exposed to this heavy metal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Marcela Medina Pérez
- Departamento de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Industrial de Santander, Bucaramanga, Colombia.,Laboratorio de Toxicología Ambiental y Toxicogenética, Universidad Industrial de Santander, Bucaramanga, Colombia
| | - Oscar Flórez-Vargas
- Laboratorio de Toxicología Ambiental y Toxicogenética, Universidad Industrial de Santander, Bucaramanga, Colombia.,Laboratory of Translational Genomics, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA
| | - Giovanna Rincón Cruz
- Grupo de Inmunología y Epidemiología Molecular, Escuela de Microbiología, Universidad Industrial de Santander, Carrera 32 No. 29-31; Building Roberto Serpa, Floor 5, Office 5, Bucaramanga, Colombia
| | - Fernando Rondón González
- Grupo de Investigación en Microbiología y Genética, Escuela de Biología, Universidad Industrial de Santander, Bucaramanga, Colombia
| | - Linda Rocha Muñoz
- Grupo de Investigación CienciaUDES, Universidad de Santander, Bucaramanga, Colombia
| | - Luz Helena Sánchez Rodríguez
- Grupo de Inmunología y Epidemiología Molecular, Escuela de Microbiología, Universidad Industrial de Santander, Carrera 32 No. 29-31; Building Roberto Serpa, Floor 5, Office 5, Bucaramanga, Colombia. .,Laboratorio de Toxicología Ambiental y Toxicogenética, Universidad Industrial de Santander, Bucaramanga, Colombia.
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Environmentally relevant developmental methylmercury exposures alter neuronal differentiation in a human-induced pluripotent stem cell model. Food Chem Toxicol 2021; 152:112178. [PMID: 33831500 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2021.112178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Developmental methylmercury (MeHg) exposure selectively targets the cerebral and cerebellar cortices, as seen by disruption of cytoarchitecture and glutamatergic (GLUergic) neuron hypoplasia. To begin to understand the mechanisms of this loss of GLUergic neurons, we aimed to develop a model of developmental MeHg neurotoxicity in human-induced pluripotent stem cells differentiating into cortical GLUergic neurons. Three dosing paradigms at 0.1 μM and 1.0 μM MeHg, which span different stages of neurodevelopment and reflect toxicologically relevant accumulation levels seen in human studies and mammalian models, were established. With these exposure paradigms, no changes were seen in commonly studied endpoints of MeHg toxicity, including viability, proliferation, and glutathione levels. However, MeHg exposure induced changes in mitochondrial respiration and glycolysis and in markers of neuronal differentiation. Our novel data suggests that GLUergic neuron hypoplasia seen with MeHg toxicity may be due to the partial inhibition of neuronal differentiation, given the increased expression of the early dorsal forebrain marker FOXG1 and corresponding decrease in expression on neuronal markers MAP2 and DCX and the deep layer cortical neuronal marker TBR1. Future studies should examine the persistent and latent functional effects of this MeHg-induced disruption of neuronal differentiation as well as transcriptomic and metabolomic alterations that may mediate MeHg toxicity.
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Associations of Metabolic Genes ( GSTT1, GSTP1, GSTM1) and Blood Mercury Concentrations Differ in Jamaican Children with and without Autism Spectrum Disorder. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18041377. [PMID: 33546147 PMCID: PMC7913200 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18041377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
We investigated interactive roles of three metabolic glutathione S-transferase (GST) genes (GSTP1, GSTT1, and GSTM1) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) status in relation to blood Hg concentrations (BHC) of Jamaican children. We used data from 266 children (2-8 years) with ASD and their 1:1 age- and sex-matched typically developing (TD) controls. After adjusting General Linear Models for child’s age, socioeconomic status, consumption of leafy vegetables, fried plantain, canned fish, and the interaction between GSTP1 and GSTT1, we found significant interactions between GSTP1 and ASD status in relation to BHC either in a co-dominant or dominant genetic model for GSTP1(P < 0.001, P = 0.007, respectively). In the co-dominant model for the Ile105Val GSTP1 polymorphism, geometric mean (GM) BHC in ASD cases with genotype Ile/Ile were significantly higher than in cases with the Ile/Val genotype (0.73 vs. 0.48 µg/L, P = 0.01). In contrast, in TD controls with the Ile/Val genotype GM BHC were significantly higher than in those with the Ile/Ile genotype (0.72 vs. 0.49 µg/L, P = 0.03) or the Val/Val genotype (0.72 vs. 0.51 µg/L, P = 0.04). Although our findings are consistent with the role of GSTP1 in detoxification of Hg, replication in other populations is warranted.
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Ralston NV, Raymond LJ. Soft electrophile inhibition of selenoenzymes in disease pathologies. Toxicology 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-819092-0.00040-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Chan PHY, Chan KYY, Schooling CM, Hui LL, Chan MHM, Li AM, Cheung RCK, Lam HS. Association between genetic variations in GSH-related and MT genes and low-dose methylmercury exposure in children and women of childbearing age: a pilot study. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 187:109703. [PMID: 32480025 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Revised: 05/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genetic variations in glutathione (GSH)-related and metallothionein (MT) genes, which are involved in producing enzymes in the methylmercury (MeHg) metabolism pathway, have been proposed as one of the reasons for the individual variability in MeHg toxicokinetics. OBJECTIVE To investigate the impact of genetic variations in MT and GSH-related genes on the association of fish consumption with body burden of MeHg, as measured by hair Hg concentrations among young children and women of childbearing age. METHODS A total of 179 unrelated children and 165 mothers with either high or low fish consumption were recruited from the community. Their hair total Hg (tHg) and MeHg levels and genotypes for SNPs located on the GCLC, GCLM, GPX1, GSTA1, GSTP1, MT1A, MT2A, and MT4 genes were determined. Based on their 14-day food records, the amounts of fish consumed and their MeHg intakes were estimated. The impact of genetic variations on hair Hg concentrations was examined by using Mann-Whitney tests and multivariable linear regression analyses. RESULTS The presence of minor alleles of GCLC-129 (rs17883901), GPX1-198 (rs1050450) and MT1M (rs9936741) were associated with significantly lower hair tHg levels in mothers whereas mothers with minor alleles of GSTP1-105(rs1695) and MT1M (rs2270836) have significantly higher hair tHg levels. After adjustment for fish consumption and other confounding factors, apart from MT1M (rs2270836), all of the above SNPs remain significant in the multivariable linear regression models. CONCLUSIONS Our results in a group of children and women show that genetic variants of GSH-related and MT genes are associated with hair Hg concentrations. These genetic variations are likely to significantly affect MeHg metabolism and thus influence the accumulation of Hg in the human body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peggy Hiu Ying Chan
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
| | - Kathy Yuen Yee Chan
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
| | - Catherine Mary Schooling
- School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; CUNY School of Public Health and Health Policy, NY, USA.
| | - Lai Ling Hui
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
| | - Michael Ho Ming Chan
- Department of Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
| | - Albert Martin Li
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
| | - Robert Chi Keung Cheung
- Department of Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Hugh Simon Lam
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
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Rand MD, Vorojeikina D, Peppriell A, Gunderson J, Prince LM. Drosophotoxicology: Elucidating Kinetic and Dynamic Pathways of Methylmercury Toxicity in a Drosophila Model. Front Genet 2019; 10:666. [PMID: 31447878 PMCID: PMC6695472 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The risks of methylmercury (MeHg) toxicity are greatest during early life where it has long been appreciated that the developing nervous system is an especially sensitive target. Yet, understanding the discrete mechanisms of MeHg toxicity have been obscured by the wide variation in the nature and severity of developmental outcomes that are typically seen across individuals in MeHg exposed populations. Some insight has come from studies aimed at identifying a role for genetic background as a modifier of MeHg toxicity, which have predominantly focused on factors influencing MeHg toxicokinetics, notably, polymorphisms in genes related to glutathione (GSH) metabolism. For example, variants in genes encoding the catalytic and modifier subunits of glutamyl-cysteine ligase (GCLc and GCLm), the rate limiting enzyme for GSH synthesis, have been reported to associate with Hg body burden (Hg levels in blood or hair) in humans. However, GSH can facilitate both toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics of MeHg by forming MeHg-GSH conjugates, which are readily transported and excreted, and by acting indirectly as an anti-oxidant. In this study, we refine a model to distinguish kinetic and dynamic traits of MeHg toxicity using a paradigm of Drosophotoxicolgy. First, we identify that the pupal stage is selectively sensitive to MeHg toxicity. Using a protocol of larval feeding, measurements of Hg body burden, and assays of development to adulthood (pupal eclosion), we identify strain-dependent variation in MeHg elimination as a potential kinetic determinant of differential tolerance to MeHg. We also find that global upregulation of GSH levels, with GCLc trans-gene expression, can induce MeHg tolerance and reduce Hg body burden. However, we demonstrate that MeHg tolerance can also be achieved independently of reducing Hg body burden, in both wild-derived strains and with targeted expression of GCLc in developing neuronal and muscle tissue, pointing to a robust toxicodynamic mechanism. Our findings have important implications for understanding variation in MeHg toxic potential on an individual basis and for informing the process of relating a measurement of Hg body burden to the potential for adverse developmental outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew D Rand
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Daria Vorojeikina
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Ashley Peppriell
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Jakob Gunderson
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Lisa M Prince
- School of Human Health Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
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13
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Vascular Dysfunction Induced by Mercury Exposure. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20102435. [PMID: 31100949 PMCID: PMC6566353 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20102435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Revised: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) causes severe damage to the central nervous system, and there is increasing evidence of the association between MeHg exposure and vascular dysfunction, hemorrhage, and edema in the brain, but not in other organs of patients with acute MeHg intoxication. These observations suggest that MeHg possibly causes blood-brain barrier (BBB) damage. MeHg penetrates the BBB into the brain parenchyma via active transport systems, mainly the l-type amino acid transporter 1, on endothelial cell membranes. Recently, exposure to mercury has significantly increased. Numerous reports suggest that long-term low-level MeHg exposure can impair endothelial function and increase the risks of cardiovascular disease. The most widely reported mechanism of MeHg toxicity is oxidative stress and related pathways, such as neuroinflammation. BBB dysfunction has been suggested by both in vitro and in vivo models of MeHg intoxication. Therapy targeted at both maintaining the BBB and suppressing oxidative stress may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for MeHg intoxication. This paper reviews studies on the relationship between MeHg exposure and vascular dysfunction, with a special emphasis on the BBB.
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14
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Joneidi Z, Mortazavi Y, Memari F, Roointan A, Chahardouli B, Rostami S. The impact of genetic variation on metabolism of heavy metals: Genetic predisposition? Biomed Pharmacother 2019; 113:108642. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2019.108642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2018] [Revised: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
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15
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Prince LM, Aschner M, Bowman AB. Human-induced pluripotent stems cells as a model to dissect the selective neurotoxicity of methylmercury. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2019; 1863:129300. [PMID: 30742955 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2019.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2018] [Revised: 01/09/2019] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) is a potent neurotoxicant affecting both the developing and mature central nervous system (CNS) with apparent indiscriminate disruption of multiple homeostatic pathways. However, genetic and environmental modifiers contribute significant variability to neurotoxicity associated with human exposures. MeHg displays developmental stage and neural lineage selective neurotoxicity. To identify mechanistic-based neuroprotective strategies to mitigate human MeHg exposure risk, it will be critical to improve our understanding of the basis of MeHg neurotoxicity and of this selective neurotoxicity. Here, we propose that human-based pluripotent stem cell cellular approaches may enable mechanistic insight into genetic pathways that modify sensitivity of specific neural lineages to MeHg-induced neurotoxicity. Such studies are crucial for the development of novel disease modifying strategies impinging on MeHg exposure vulnerability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Prince
- School of Health Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2051, United States
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, United States
| | - Aaron B Bowman
- School of Health Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2051, United States.
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16
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Farina M, Aschner M. Glutathione antioxidant system and methylmercury-induced neurotoxicity: An intriguing interplay. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2019; 1863:129285. [PMID: 30659883 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2019.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Revised: 12/09/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) is a toxic chemical compound naturally produced mainly in the aquatic environment through the methylation of inorganic mercury catalyzed by aquatic microorganisms. MeHg is biomagnified in the aquatic food chain and, consequently, piscivorous fish at the top of the food chain possess huge amounts of MeHg (at the ppm level). Some populations that have fish as main protein's source can be exposed to exceedingly high levels of MeHg and develop signs of toxicity. MeHg is toxic to several organs, but the central nervous system (CNS) represents a preferential target, especially during development (prenatal and early postnatal periods). Though the biochemical events involved in MeHg-(neuro)toxicity are not yet entirely comprehended, a vast literature indicates that its pro-oxidative properties explain, at least partially, several of its neurotoxic effects. As result of its electrophilicity, MeHg interacts with (and oxidize) nucleophilic groups, such as thiols and selenols, present in proteins or low-molecular weight molecules. It is noteworthy that such interactions modify the redox state of these groups and, therefore, lead to oxidative stress and impaired function of several molecules, culminating in neurotoxicity. Among these molecules, glutathione (GSH; a major thiol antioxidant) and thiol- or selenol-containing enzymes belonging to the GSH antioxidant system represent key molecular targets involved in MeHg-neurotoxicity. In this review, we firstly present a general overview concerning the neurotoxicity of MeHg. Then, we present fundamental aspects of the GSH-antioxidant system, as well as the effects of MeHg on this system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo Farina
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil.
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, USA
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17
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Barbone F, Rosolen V, Mariuz M, Parpinel M, Casetta A, Sammartano F, Ronfani L, Vecchi Brumatti L, Bin M, Castriotta L, Valent F, Little DL, Mazej D, Snoj Tratnik J, Miklavčič Višnjevec A, Sofianou K, Špirić Z, Krsnik M, Osredkar J, Neubauer D, Kodrič J, Stropnik S, Prpić I, Petrović O, Vlašić-Cicvarić I, Horvat M. Prenatal mercury exposure and child neurodevelopment outcomes at 18 months: Results from the Mediterranean PHIME cohort. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2018; 222:9-21. [PMID: 30057028 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2018.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2018] [Revised: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 07/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neurotoxicity due to acute prenatal exposure to high-dose of mercury (Hg) is well documented. However, the effect of prenatal exposure to low Hg levels on child neurodevelopment and the question about "safety" of fish-eating during pregnancy remain controversial. International comparisons of Hg concentrations in mother-child biological samples and neurodevelopmental scores embedded in birth cohort studies may provide useful evidence to explore this issue. MATERIALS AND METHODS The Mediterranean (Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, and Greece) cohort study included 1308 mother-child pairs enrolled in the Public Health Impact of long-term, low-level, Mixed Element exposure in a susceptible population EU Sixth Framework Programme (PHIME). Maternal hair and venous blood, cord blood and breast milk samples were collected, and total Hg (THg) levels were measured. Demographic and socioeconomic information, lifestyles and nutritional habits were collected through questionnaires at different phases of follow-up. Children at 18 months of age underwent neurodevelopmental testing using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition (BSID-III). Multivariate linear and logistic regressions were performed, for each country, to assess the association between THg and BSID-III scores, obtaining adjusted β coefficients and odds ratios (ORs). These values were used to conduct a meta-analysis, to explore possible heterogeneity among countries and to obtain combined estimates of the association between THg exposure and BSID-III scores. RESULTS Median THg (ng/g) was: 704 in maternal hair, 2.4 in maternal blood, 3.6 in cord blood, and 0.6 in breast milk. THg concentrations were highest in Greece and lowest in Slovenia. BSID-III neurodevelopmental scores were higher in Croatia and Slovenia. The meta-analysis of multivariate linear models found an overall positive association between language composite score and receptive communication scaled score and increasing THg in maternal hair (n = 1086; β = 0.55; 95%CI: 0.05-1.05 and n = 1075; β = 0.12; 95%CI: 0.02-0.22, respectively). The meta-analysis of logistic regression models showed that the overall adjusted OR between THg in cord blood and suboptimal gross motor score was borderline significant (n = 882; OR = 1.03; 95%CI: 1.00-1.07). Heterogeneity was found across the four sub-cohorts for language composite score in maternal blood, and for fine motor scaled score in cord blood and breast milk. Language composite score and THg concentrations in maternal venous blood were positively related (n = 58; β = 4.29; CI95% (-0.02, 8.60)) in Croatia and an increase of 1 ng/g of THg in maternal venous blood was associated with a reduced risk for children to fall in the lowest quintile of language score by 31% (n = 58; OR = 0.69; CI 95%: 0.37, 1.01). The comparison of β coefficients obtained by multiple linear regression model showed an inverse association between fine motor score and THg concentrations in cord blood for Croatia (n = 54; β = -0.53; CI 95%: -1.10, 0.04) and Slovenia (n = 225; β = -0.25; CI 95%: -0.49, -0.01). In Slovenia THg level in breast milk was associated with suboptimal fine motor performance (n = 195; OR = 5.25; CI 95%: 1.36, 21.10). CONCLUSIONS This study showed an inverse relation between THg levels and developmental motor scores at 18 months, although the evidence was weak and partially internally and externally inconsistent. No evidence of detrimental effects of THg was found for cognitive and language outcomes at these concentrations and age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Barbone
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health - IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", via dell'Istria, 65/1, 34137, Trieste, Italy.
| | - Valentina Rosolen
- Department of Medical Area, University of Udine, via Colugna 50, 33100, Udine, Italy.
| | - Marika Mariuz
- Department of Medical Area, University of Udine, via Colugna 50, 33100, Udine, Italy.
| | - Maria Parpinel
- Department of Medical Area, University of Udine, via Colugna 50, 33100, Udine, Italy.
| | - Anica Casetta
- Department of Medical Area, University of Udine, via Colugna 50, 33100, Udine, Italy.
| | - Francesca Sammartano
- Department of Medical Area, University of Udine, via Colugna 50, 33100, Udine, Italy.
| | - Luca Ronfani
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health - IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", via dell'Istria, 65/1, 34137, Trieste, Italy.
| | - Liza Vecchi Brumatti
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health - IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", via dell'Istria, 65/1, 34137, Trieste, Italy.
| | - Maura Bin
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health - IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", via dell'Istria, 65/1, 34137, Trieste, Italy.
| | - Luigi Castriotta
- Institute of Hygiene and Clinical Epidemiology Academic Hospital of Udine, via Colugna 50, 33100, Udine, Italy.
| | - Francesca Valent
- Institute of Hygiene and Clinical Epidemiology Academic Hospital of Udine, via Colugna 50, 33100, Udine, Italy.
| | - D'Anna Latesha Little
- Azienda per I'Assistenza Sanitaria n. 5 Friuli Occidentale, via Piave 54 33170 Pordenone (PN), Italy.
| | - Darja Mazej
- Jozef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39 SI-1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Janja Snoj Tratnik
- Jozef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39 SI-1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia; International Postgraduate School Jozef Stefan, Jamova 39 SI-1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | | | - Katia Sofianou
- Institute of Child Health, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, Thivon & Papadiamantopoulou, Goudi, 115 27, Athens, Greece.
| | - Zdravko Špirić
- Green Infrastructure Ltd., Fallerovo Setaliste 22, 10.000, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | | | | | | | - Jana Kodrič
- University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | | | - Igor Prpić
- The Clinical Hospital Center of Rijeka, Krešimirova 42, 51000, Rijeka, Croatia.
| | - Oleg Petrović
- The Clinical Hospital Center of Rijeka, Krešimirova 42, 51000, Rijeka, Croatia.
| | | | - Milena Horvat
- Jozef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39 SI-1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia; International Postgraduate School Jozef Stefan, Jamova 39 SI-1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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Wahlberg K, Love TM, Pineda D, Engström K, Watson GE, Thurston SW, Yeates AJ, Mulhern MS, McSorley EM, Strain JJ, Smith TH, Davidson PW, Shamlaye CF, Myers GJ, Rand MD, van Wijngaarden E, Broberg K. Maternal polymorphisms in glutathione-related genes are associated with maternal mercury concentrations and early child neurodevelopment in a population with a fish-rich diet. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2018; 115:142-149. [PMID: 29573653 PMCID: PMC5970067 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2018.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2017] [Revised: 03/11/2018] [Accepted: 03/11/2018] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Glutathione (GSH) pathways play a key role the metabolism and elimination of the neurotoxicant methylmercury (MeHg). We hypothesized that maternal genetic variation linked to GSH pathways could influence MeHg concentrations in pregnant mothers and children and thereby also affect early life development. METHODS The GCLM (rs41303970, C/T), GCLC (rs761142, T/G) and GSTP1 (rs1695, A/G) polymorphisms were genotyped in 1449 mothers in a prospective study of the Seychellois population with a diet rich in fish. Genotypes were analyzed in association with maternal hair and blood Hg, fetal blood Hg (cord blood Hg), as well as children's mental (MDI) and motor development (PDI; MDI and PDI assessed by Bayley Scales of Infant Development at 20 months). We also examined whether genotypes modified the association between Hg exposure and developmental outcomes. RESULTS GCLC rs761142 TT homozygotes showed statistically higher mean maternal hair Hg (4.12 ppm) than G carriers (AG 3.73 and GG 3.52 ppm) (p = 0.037). For the combination of GCLC rs761142 and GCLM rs41303970, double homozygotes TT + CC showed higher hair Hg (4.40 ppm) than G + T carriers (3.44 ppm; p = 0.018). No associations were observed between GSTP1 rs1695 and maternal hair Hg or between any genotypes and maternal blood Hg or cord blood Hg. The maternal GSTP1 rs1695 rare allele (G) was associated with a lower MDI among children (β = -1.48, p = 0.048). We also observed some interactions: increasing Hg in maternal and cord blood was associated with lower PDI among GCLC rs761142 TT carriers; and increasing Hg in hair was associated with lower MDI among GSTP1 rs1695 GG carriers. CONCLUSIONS Maternal genetic variation in genes involved in GSH synthesis is statistically associated with Hg concentrations in maternal hair, but not in maternal or fetal blood. We observed interactions that suggest maternal GSH genetics may modify associations between MeHg exposure and neurodevelopmental outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Wahlberg
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, 22185 Lund, Sweden
| | - Tanzy M Love
- University of Rochester Medical Center, School of Medicine and Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Daniela Pineda
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, 22185 Lund, Sweden
| | - Karin Engström
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, 22185 Lund, Sweden
| | - Gene E Watson
- University of Rochester Medical Center, School of Medicine and Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Sally W Thurston
- University of Rochester Medical Center, School of Medicine and Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Alison J Yeates
- Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), Ulster University, Cromore Road, Coleraine BT52 1SA, Co. Londonderry, UK
| | - Maria S Mulhern
- Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), Ulster University, Cromore Road, Coleraine BT52 1SA, Co. Londonderry, UK
| | - Emeir M McSorley
- Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), Ulster University, Cromore Road, Coleraine BT52 1SA, Co. Londonderry, UK
| | - J J Strain
- Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), Ulster University, Cromore Road, Coleraine BT52 1SA, Co. Londonderry, UK
| | - Tristram H Smith
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, 22185 Lund, Sweden
| | - Philip W Davidson
- University of Rochester Medical Center, School of Medicine and Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | | | - G J Myers
- University of Rochester Medical Center, School of Medicine and Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Matthew D Rand
- University of Rochester Medical Center, School of Medicine and Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Edwin van Wijngaarden
- University of Rochester Medical Center, School of Medicine and Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Karin Broberg
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, 22185 Lund, Sweden; Institute of Environmental Medicine, Metals and Health, Box 210, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden.
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Houston M, Minich D, Sinatra ST, Kahn JK, Guarneri M. Recent Science and Clinical Application of Nutrition to Coronary Heart Disease. J Am Coll Nutr 2018; 37:169-187. [PMID: 29313752 DOI: 10.1080/07315724.2017.1381053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
One of the greatest threats to mortality in industrialized societies continues to be coronary heart disease (CHD). Moreover, the ability to decrease the incidence of CHD has reached a limit utilizing traditional diagnostic evaluations and prevention and treatment strategies for the top five cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, obesity, and smoking). It is well known that about 80% of CHD can be prevented with optimal nutrition, coupled with exercise, weight management, mild alcohol intake, and smoking cessation. Among all of these factors, optimal nutrition provides the basic foundation for prevention and treatment of CHD. Numerous prospective nutrition clinical trials have shown dramatic reductions in the incidence of CHD. As nutritional science and nutrigenomics research continues, our ability to adjust the best nutrition with an individualized approach is emerging. This article reviews the role of nutrition in the prevention and treatment of CHD and myocardial infarction (MI).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Houston
- a Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical School, Director, Hypertension Institute and Vascular Biology, Medical Director of Division of Human Nutrition, Saint Thomas Medical Group, Saint Thomas Hospital , Nashville , Tennessee , USA
| | - Deanna Minich
- b University of Western States, Institute for Functional Medicine , Seattle , Washington , USA
| | - Stephen T Sinatra
- c Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine, University of Connecticut Medical School , Farmington , Connecticut , USA
| | - Joel K Kahn
- d Clinical Professor of Medicine, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Kahn Center for Cardiac Longevity , Bloomfield Township , Michigan , USA
| | - Mimi Guarneri
- e Director, Guarneri Integrative Health, Inc., La Jolla, California at Pacific Pearl , La Jolla , California , USA
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20
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Ballester F, Iñiguez C, Murcia M, Guxens M, Basterretxea M, Rebagliato M, Vioque J, Lertxundi A, Fernandez-Somoano A, Tardon A, Sunyer J, Llop S. Prenatal exposure to mercury and longitudinally assessed fetal growth: Relation and effect modifiers. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2018; 160:97-106. [PMID: 28968527 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2017.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2016] [Revised: 07/06/2017] [Accepted: 09/16/2017] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal mercury exposure has been related to reductions in anthropometry at birth. Levels of mercury have been reported as being relatively elevated in the Spanish population. OBJECTIVE To investigate the relation between prenatal exposure to mercury and fetal growth. METHODS Study subjects were pregnant women and their newborns (n:1867) participating in a population-based birth cohort study set up in four Spanish regions from the INMA Project. Biparietal diameter (BPD), femur length (FL), abdominal circumference (AC), and estimated fetal weight (EFW) were measured by ultrasounds at 12, 20, and 34 weeks of gestation. Size at and growth between these points were assessed by standard deviation (SD) scores adjusted for constitutional characteristics. Total mercury (T-Hg) was determined in cord blood. Associations were investigated by linear regression models, adjusted by sociodemographic, environmental, nutritional - including four seafood groups - and lifestyle-related variables in each sub-cohort. Final estimates were obtained using meta-analysis. Effect modification by sex, seafood intake and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congener 153 concentration was assessed. RESULTS Geometric mean of cord blood T-Hg was 8.2μg/L. All the estimates of the association between prenatal Hg and growth from 0 to 12 weeks showed reductions in SD-scores, which were only statistically significant for BPD. A doubling of cord blood T-Hg was associated with a 0.58% reduction in size of BPD at week 12 (95% confidence interval -CI-: - 1.10, - 0.07). Size at week 34 showed estimates suggestive of a small reduction in EFW, i.e., a doubling of T-Hg levels was associated with a reduction of 0.38% (95% CI: - 0.91, 0.15). An interaction between PCB153 and T-Hg was found, with statistically significant negative associations of T-Hg with AC and EFW in late pregnancy among participants with PCB153 below the median. CONCLUSIONS Exposure to mercury during pregnancy was associated with early reductions in BPD. Moreover, an antagonism with PCB 153 was observed with noteworthy reductions late in pregnancy in AC and EFW in the group with lower PCB153.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferran Ballester
- Nursing School, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain; FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València Joint Research Unit of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, Valencia, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain.
| | - Carmen Iñiguez
- FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València Joint Research Unit of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, Valencia, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain
| | - Mario Murcia
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain; FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València Joint Research Unit of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, Valencia, Spain
| | - Mònica Guxens
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; ISGlobal, Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona, Spain; Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus University Medical Centre-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mikel Basterretxea
- Public Health Division of Gipuzkoa, San Sebastián, Spain; Health Research Institute (BIODONOSTIA), San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Marisa Rebagliato
- FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València Joint Research Unit of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, Valencia, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain; Medicine Department, Universitat Jaume I, Castelló de la Plana, Spain
| | - Jesús Vioque
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain; Universidad Miguel Hernández, San Juan de Alicante, Spain
| | - Aitana Lertxundi
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain; Universidad del País Vasco, Spain
| | - Ana Fernandez-Somoano
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain; IUOPA, Departamento de Medicina, Universidad de Oviedo, Spain
| | - Adonina Tardon
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain
| | - Jordi Sunyer
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; ISGlobal, Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sabrina Llop
- FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València Joint Research Unit of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, Valencia, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain
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Llop S, Tran V, Ballester F, Barbone F, Sofianou-Katsoulis A, Sunyer J, Engström K, Alhamdow A, Love TM, Watson GE, Bustamante M, Murcia M, Iñiguez C, Shamlaye CF, Rosolen V, Mariuz M, Horvat M, Tratnik JS, Mazej D, van Wijngaarden E, Davidson PW, Myers GJ, Rand MD, Broberg K. CYP3A genes and the association between prenatal methylmercury exposure and neurodevelopment. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2017; 105:34-42. [PMID: 28500872 PMCID: PMC5517297 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2017.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2016] [Revised: 04/26/2017] [Accepted: 04/26/2017] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Results on the association between prenatal exposure to methylmercury (MeHg) and child neuropsychological development are heterogeneous. Underlying genetic differences across study populations could contribute to this varied response to MeHg. Studies in Drosophila have identified the cytochrome p450 3A (CYP3A) family as candidate MeHg susceptibility genes. OBJECTIVES We evaluated whether genetic variation in CYP3A genes influences the association between prenatal exposure to MeHg and child neuropsychological development. METHODS The study population included 2639 children from three birth cohort studies: two subcohorts in Seychelles (SCDS) (n=1160, 20 and 30months of age, studied during the years 2001-2012), two subcohorts from Spain (INMA) (n=625, 14months of age, 2003-2009), and two subcohorts from Italy and Greece (PHIME) (n=854, 18months of age, 2006-2011). Total mercury, as a surrogate of MeHg, was analyzed in maternal hair and/or cord blood samples. Neuropsychological development was evaluated using Bayley Scales of Infant Development (BSID). Three functional polymorphisms in the CYP3A family were analyzed: rs2257401 (CYP3A7), rs776746 (CYP3A5), and rs2740574 (CYP3A4). RESULTS There was no association between CYP3A polymorphisms and cord mercury concentrations. The scores for the BSID mental scale improved with increasing cord blood mercury concentrations for carriers of the most active alleles (β[95% CI]:=2.9[1.53,4.27] for CYP3A7 rs2257401 GG+GC, 2.51[1.04,3.98] for CYP3A5 rs776746 AA+AG and 2.31[0.12,4.50] for CYP3A4 rs2740574 GG+AG). This association was near the null for CYP3A7 CC, CYP3A5 GG and CYP3A4 AA genotypes. The interaction between the CYP3A genes and total mercury was significant (p<0.05) in European cohorts only. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that the polymorphisms in CYP3A genes may modify the response to dietary MeHg exposure during early life development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Llop
- Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Av. Catalunya 21, 46020 Valencia, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Av. Monforte de Lemos, 3-5. Pabellón 11, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Van Tran
- University of Rochester Medical Center, School of Medicine and Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Ave, Box 671, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Ferran Ballester
- Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Av. Catalunya 21, 46020 Valencia, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Av. Monforte de Lemos, 3-5. Pabellón 11, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Fabio Barbone
- Department of Medical and Biological Sciences, University of Udine, via Colugna 50, 33100 Udine, Italy; Institute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", via dell'Istria 65/1, 34137 Trieste, Italy
| | | | - Jordi Sunyer
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Av. Monforte de Lemos, 3-5. Pabellón 11, 28029 Madrid, Spain; ISGlobal, Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Av. Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Av. Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Av. Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Karin Engström
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, 22185 Lund, Sweden
| | - Ayman Alhamdow
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Nobels väg 13, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tanzy M Love
- University of Rochester Medical Center, School of Medicine and Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Ave, Box 671, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Gene E Watson
- University of Rochester Medical Center, School of Medicine and Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Ave, Box 671, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Mariona Bustamante
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Av. Monforte de Lemos, 3-5. Pabellón 11, 28029 Madrid, Spain; ISGlobal, Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Av. Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Av. Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; Genomics and Disease Group, Bioinformatics and Genomics Program, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), Av. Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mario Murcia
- Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Av. Catalunya 21, 46020 Valencia, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Av. Monforte de Lemos, 3-5. Pabellón 11, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Iñiguez
- Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Av. Catalunya 21, 46020 Valencia, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Av. Monforte de Lemos, 3-5. Pabellón 11, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Valentina Rosolen
- Department of Medical and Biological Sciences, University of Udine, via Colugna 50, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Marika Mariuz
- Department of Medical and Biological Sciences, University of Udine, via Colugna 50, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Milena Horvat
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jozef Stefan Institute, Jamova cesta 39, Si-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Janja S Tratnik
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jozef Stefan Institute, Jamova cesta 39, Si-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Darja Mazej
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jozef Stefan Institute, Jamova cesta 39, Si-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Edwin van Wijngaarden
- University of Rochester Medical Center, School of Medicine and Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Ave, Box 671, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Philip W Davidson
- University of Rochester Medical Center, School of Medicine and Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Ave, Box 671, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Gary J Myers
- University of Rochester Medical Center, School of Medicine and Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Ave, Box 671, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Matthew D Rand
- University of Rochester Medical Center, School of Medicine and Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Ave, Box 671, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Karin Broberg
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Nobels väg 13, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden.
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22
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The Putative Role of Environmental Mercury in the Pathogenesis and Pathophysiology of Autism Spectrum Disorders and Subtypes. Mol Neurobiol 2017; 55:4834-4856. [DOI: 10.1007/s12035-017-0692-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2017] [Accepted: 07/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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23
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Vorojeikina D, Broberg K, Love TM, Davidson PW, van Wijngaarden E, Rand MD. Editor's Highlight: Glutathione S-Transferase Activity Moderates Methylmercury Toxicity During Development in Drosophila. Toxicol Sci 2017; 157:211-221. [PMID: 28184905 PMCID: PMC5837650 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfx033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Glutathione (GSH) pathways play a central role in methylmercury (MeHg) metabolism and elimination, largely due to formation of a more readily transported MeHg-GSH conjugate. Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) have therefore been proposed to facilitate MeHg elimination by catalyzing MeHg-GSH conjugation. A role for human GSTP1 in MeHg disposition is suggested by the association of two common polymorphisms in the coding region (Ile105Val and Ala114Val) with Hg levels in either blood or hair. In this study, we investigated a functional role for GSTs in modulating MeHg toxicity during development. Using the Drosophila model to execute targeted manipulations of both endogenous GSTs and introduced human GSTP1 variants we correlate gene and protein expression levels with GST activity and also with MeHg body burden and developmental outcomes. RNAi knockdown of endogenous GSTD1, GSTE1, or GSTS1, individually, increased susceptibility to MeHg during pupal development resulting in a reduced rate of adult eclosion. Exogenous expression of human GSTP1 in developing flies resulted in increased MeHg tolerance relative to control flies as seen with elevated eclosion rates when reared on MeHg containing food. Furthermore, the GSTP1105 and GSTP1114 variants showed a reduced enzyme activity relative to wild-type GSTP1 (GSTP1wt). Finally, we observed a trend whereby Hg body burden was inversely related to the levels of GST activity. However, in some instances GSTP1 expression resulted in increased eclosion rates without reducing Hg body burden suggesting that GSTs interact with MeHg via both toxicokinetic and toxicodynamic mechanisms. These findings indicate that GSTs moderate MeHg toxicity during development in our experimental model.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Karin Broberg
- The Institute of Environmental Medicine, Unit of Metals & Health, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Tanzy M. Love
- Department of Pediatrics
- Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology
| | | | - Edwin van Wijngaarden
- Department of Environmental Medicine
- Department of Pediatrics
- Department of Public Health SciencesDepartment of Dentistry, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York
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Branco V, Caito S, Farina M, Teixeira da Rocha J, Aschner M, Carvalho C. Biomarkers of mercury toxicity: Past, present, and future trends. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART B, CRITICAL REVIEWS 2017; 20:119-154. [PMID: 28379072 PMCID: PMC6317349 DOI: 10.1080/10937404.2017.1289834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) toxicity continues to represent a global health concern. Given that human populations are mostly exposed to low chronic levels of mercurial compounds (methylmercury through fish, mercury vapor from dental amalgams, and ethylmercury from vaccines), the need for more sensitive and refined tools to assess the effects and/or susceptibility to adverse metal-mediated health risks remains. Traditional biomarkers, such as hair or blood Hg levels, are practical and provide a reliable measure of exposure, but given intra-population variability, it is difficult to establish accurate cause-effect relationships. It is therefore important to identify and validate biomarkers that are predictive of early adverse effects prior to adverse health outcomes becoming irreversible. This review describes the predominant biomarkers used by toxicologists and epidemiologists to evaluate exposure, effect and susceptibility to Hg compounds, weighing on their advantages and disadvantages. Most importantly, and in light of recent findings on the molecular mechanisms underlying Hg-mediated toxicity, potential novel biomarkers that might be predictive of toxic effect are presented, and the applicability of these parameters in risk assessment is examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasco Branco
- a Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculdade de Farmácia , Universidade de Lisboa , Lisboa , Portugal
| | - Sam Caito
- b Department of Molecular Pharmacology , Albert Einstein College of Medicine , Bronx , New York , USA
| | - Marcelo Farina
- c Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Ciências Biológicas , Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina , Florianópolis , Brazil
| | - João Teixeira da Rocha
- d Departamento Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular , Universidade Federal de Santa Maria , Santa Maria , RS , Brazil
| | - Michael Aschner
- b Department of Molecular Pharmacology , Albert Einstein College of Medicine , Bronx , New York , USA
| | - Cristina Carvalho
- a Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculdade de Farmácia , Universidade de Lisboa , Lisboa , Portugal
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Genetic Aspects of Susceptibility to Mercury Toxicity: An Overview. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2017; 14:ijerph14010093. [PMID: 28106810 PMCID: PMC5295343 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14010093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2016] [Revised: 12/16/2016] [Accepted: 01/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Human exposure to mercury is still a major public health concern. In this context, children have a higher susceptibility to adverse neurological mercury effects, compared to adults with similar exposures. Moreover, there exists a marked variability of personal response to detrimental mercury action, in particular among population groups with significant mercury exposure. New scientific evidence on genetic backgrounds has raised the issue of whether candidate susceptibility genes can make certain individuals more or less vulnerable to mercury toxicity. In this review, the aim is to evaluate a new genetic dimension and its involvement in mercury risk assessment, focusing on the important role played by relevant polymorphisms, located in attractive gene targets for mercury toxicity. Existing original articles on epidemiologic research which report a direct link between the genetic basis of personal vulnerability and different mercury repercussions on human health will be reviewed. Based on this evidence, a careful evaluation of the significant markers of susceptibility will be suggested, in order to obtain a powerful positive “feedback” to improve the quality of life. Large consortia of studies with clear phenotypic assessments will help clarify the “window of susceptibility” in the human health risks due to mercury exposure.
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26
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Snoj Tratnik J, Falnoga I, Trdin A, Mazej D, Fajon V, Miklavčič A, Kobal AB, Osredkar J, Sešek Briški A, Krsnik M, Neubauer D, Kodrič J, Stropnik S, Gosar D, Lešnik Musek P, Marc J, Jurkovič Mlakar S, Petrović O, Vlašić-Cicvarić I, Prpić I, Milardović A, Radić Nišević J, Vuković D, Fišić E, Špirić Z, Horvat M. Prenatal mercury exposure, neurodevelopment and apolipoprotein E genetic polymorphism. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2017; 152:375-385. [PMID: 27616663 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2016.08.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2016] [Revised: 06/21/2016] [Accepted: 08/30/2016] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association between prenatal exposure to mercury (Hg) and neurodevelopment of the child, taking into account genetic polymorphism of apolipoprotein E (Apoe) and other relevant confounders. Six hundred and one mother-child pairs were recruited from the central Slovenia region and 243 from Rijeka, on the Croatian coast of the northern Adriatic. The total Hg in cord blood, Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition (Bayley-III) assessment at 18 months of age and Apoe genotyping was performed on 361 children; 237 of them were from Slovenia and 124 from Croatia. The results showed negative association between low-to-moderate Hg exposure in children with normal neurodevelopmental outcome and cognitive and fine motor scores at 18 months of age as assessed by Bayley III. The Hg-related decrease in cognitive score was observed only in children carrying at least one Apoe ε4 allele, while the decrease in fine motor scores was independent of the Apoe genotype. Adjusting for selenium (Se) and lead (Pb) levels, a positive association between Se and the language score and a negative association between Pb and the motor score was observed, but not in the subgroup of children carrying the ε4 allele.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janja Snoj Tratnik
- 'Jožef Stefan' Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences, Ljubljana, Slovenia; 'Jožef Stefan' International Postgraduate School, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Ingrid Falnoga
- 'Jožef Stefan' Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Ajda Trdin
- 'Jožef Stefan' Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences, Ljubljana, Slovenia; 'Jožef Stefan' International Postgraduate School, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Darja Mazej
- 'Jožef Stefan' Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Vesna Fajon
- 'Jožef Stefan' Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences, Ljubljana, Slovenia; 'Jožef Stefan' International Postgraduate School, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Ana Miklavčič
- 'Jožef Stefan' Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Alfred B Kobal
- Ex-Department of Occupational Health, Idrija Mercury Mine, Idrija, Slovenia
| | - Joško Osredkar
- University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Clinical Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Alenka Sešek Briški
- University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Clinical Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Mladen Krsnik
- University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Clinical Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - David Neubauer
- University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Division of Paediatrics, Department of Child, Adolescent and Developmental Neurology, Slovenia
| | - Jana Kodrič
- University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Division of Paediatrics, Department of Child, Adolescent and Developmental Neurology, Slovenia
| | - Staša Stropnik
- University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Division of Paediatrics, Department of Child, Adolescent and Developmental Neurology, Slovenia
| | - David Gosar
- University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Division of Paediatrics, Department of Child, Adolescent and Developmental Neurology, Slovenia
| | - Petra Lešnik Musek
- University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Division of Paediatrics, Department of Child, Adolescent and Developmental Neurology, Slovenia
| | - Janja Marc
- University in Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Slovenia
| | | | - Oleg Petrović
- University Hospital Centre Rijeka, Department of Paediatrics, Rijeka, Croatia
| | | | - Igor Prpić
- University Hospital Centre Rijeka, Department of Paediatrics, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Ana Milardović
- University Hospital Centre Rijeka, Department of Paediatrics, Rijeka, Croatia
| | | | - Danijela Vuković
- University Hospital Centre Rijeka, Department of Paediatrics, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Elizabeta Fišić
- University Hospital Centre Rijeka, Department of Paediatrics, Rijeka, Croatia
| | | | - Milena Horvat
- 'Jožef Stefan' Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences, Ljubljana, Slovenia; 'Jožef Stefan' International Postgraduate School, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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27
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Genetics of the human placenta: implications for toxicokinetics. Arch Toxicol 2016; 90:2563-2581. [DOI: 10.1007/s00204-016-1816-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2016] [Accepted: 08/04/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Parajuli RP, Goodrich JM, Chou HN, Gruninger SE, Dolinoy DC, Franzblau A, Basu N. Genetic polymorphisms are associated with hair, blood, and urine mercury levels in the American Dental Association (ADA) study participants. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2016; 149:247-258. [PMID: 26673400 PMCID: PMC4897752 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2015.11.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2015] [Revised: 11/25/2015] [Accepted: 11/26/2015] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Mercury (Hg) is a potent toxicant of concern to the general public. Recent studies suggest that several genes that mediate Hg metabolism are polymorphic. We hypothesize that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in such genes may underline inter-individual differences in exposure biomarker concentrations. METHODS Dental professionals were recruited during the American Dental Association (ADA) 2012 Annual Meeting. Samples of hair, blood, and urine were collected for quantifying Hg levels and genotyping (88 SNPs in classes relevant to Hg toxicokinetics including glutathione metabolism, selenoproteins, metallothioneins, and xenobiotic transporters). Questionnaires were administrated to obtain information on demographics and sources of Hg exposure (e.g., fish consumption and use of dental amalgam). Here, we report results for 380 participants with complete genotype and Hg biomarker datasets. ANOVA and linear regressions were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS Mean (geometric) Hg levels in hair (hHg), blood (bHg), urine (uHg), and the average estimated Hg intake from fish were 0.62µg/g, 3.75µg/L, 1.32µg/L, and 0.12µg/kg body weight/day, respectively. Out of 88 SNPs successfully genotyped, Hg biomarker levels differed by genotype for 25 SNPs, one of which remained significant following Bonferroni correction in ANOVA. When the associations between sources of Hg exposure and SNPs were analyzed with respect to Hg biomarker concentrations, 38 SNPs had significant main effects and/or gene-Hg exposure source interactions. Twenty-five, 23, and four SNPs showed significant main effects and/or interactions for hHg, bHg, and uHg levels, respectively (p<0.05), and six SNPs (in GCLC, MT1M, MT4, ATP7B, and BDNF) remained significant following Bonferroni correction. CONCLUSION The findings suggest that polymorphisms in environmentally-responsive genes can influence Hg biomarker levels. Hence, consideration of such gene-environment factors may improve the ability to assess the health risks of Hg more precisely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajendra Prasad Parajuli
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
| | - Jaclyn M Goodrich
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Unisiversity of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | | | | | - Dana C Dolinoy
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Unisiversity of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Alfred Franzblau
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Unisiversity of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Niladri Basu
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Unisiversity of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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Alkaissi H, Ekstrand J, Jawad A, Nielsen JB, Havarinasab S, Soderkvist P, Hultman P. Genome-Wide Association Study to Identify Genes Related to Renal Mercury Concentrations in Mice. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2016; 124:920-926. [PMID: 26942574 PMCID: PMC4937848 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1409284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2014] [Revised: 08/21/2015] [Accepted: 02/12/2016] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Following human mercury (Hg) exposure, the metal accumulates in considerable concentrations in kidney, liver, and brain. Although the toxicokinetics of Hg have been studied extensively, factors responsible for interindividual variation in humans are largely unknown. Differences in accumulation of renal Hg between inbred mouse strains suggest a genetic interstrain variation regulating retention or/and excretion of Hg. A.SW, DBA/2 and BALB/C mouse strains accumulate higher amounts of Hg than B10.S. OBJECTIVES We aimed to find candidate genes associated with regulation of renal Hg concentrations. METHODS A.SW, B10.S and their F1 and F2 offspring were exposed for 6 weeks to 2.0 mg Hg/L drinking water. Genotyping with microsatellites was conducted on 84 F2 mice for genome-wide scanning with ion pair reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (IP RP HPLC). Quantitative trait loci (QTL) were established. Denaturing HPLC was used to detect single nucleotide polymorphisms for haplotyping and fine mapping in 184 and 32 F2 mice, respectively. Candidate genes (Pprc1, Btrc and Nfkb2) verified by fine mapping and QTL were further investigated by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Genes enhanced by Pprc1 (Nrf1 and Nrf2) were included for gene expression analysis. RESULTS Renal Hg concentrations differed significantly between A.SW and B10.S mice and between males and females within each strain. QTL analysis showed a peak logarithm of odds ratio score 5.78 on chromosome 19 (p = 0.002). Haplotype and fine mapping associated the Hg accumulation with Pprc1, which encodes PGC-1-related coactivator (PRC), a coactivator for proteins involved in detoxification. Pprc1 and two genes coactivated by Pprc1 (Nrf1 and Nrf2) had significantly lower gene expression in the A.SW strain than in the B10.S strain. CONCLUSIONS This study supports Pprc1 as a key regulator for renal Hg excretion. CITATION Alkaissi H, Ekstrand J, Jawad A, Nielsen JB, Havarinasab S, Soderkvist P, Hultman P. 2016. Genome-wide association study to identify genes related to renal mercury concentrations in mice. Environ Health Perspect 124:920-926; http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/ehp.1409284.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hammoudi Alkaissi
- Molecular and Immunological Pathology, Department of Clinical Pathology and Clinical Genetics; Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Jimmy Ekstrand
- Molecular and Immunological Pathology, Department of Clinical Pathology and Clinical Genetics; Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Aksa Jawad
- Molecular and Immunological Pathology, Department of Clinical Pathology and Clinical Genetics; Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Jesper Bo Nielsen
- Research Unit for General Practice, Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense C, Denmark
| | - Said Havarinasab
- Molecular and Immunological Pathology, Department of Clinical Pathology and Clinical Genetics; Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Peter Soderkvist
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Per Hultman
- Molecular and Immunological Pathology, Department of Clinical Pathology and Clinical Genetics; Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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Tang M, Xu C, Lin N, Liu K, Zhang Y, Yu X, Liu W. Lead, mercury, and cadmium in umbilical cord serum and birth outcomes in Chinese fish consumers. CHEMOSPHERE 2016; 148:270-275. [PMID: 26812370 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2016.01.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2015] [Revised: 01/12/2016] [Accepted: 01/14/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Heavy metals such as lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and cadmium (Cd) were detected in the islands of Yangtze River estuary and Hangzhou bay and their exposure caused potential health risk for the residents. To assess the exposure levels of Pb, Hg, and Cd, the umbilical cord serum samples were collected from 103 mother-newborn pairs as the noninvasive specimens. The association of the concentration of Pb, Hg, and Cd with the birth outcomes was evaluated. Pb, Hg, and Cd had high exposure levels with the median concentrations at 76.20 μg L(-1) [interquartile range (IQR): 44.71, 115.80], 21.94 μg L(-1) (IQR: 15.10, 27.64), and 6.36 μg L(-1) (IQR: 3.63, 13.34), respectively. A unit increase in the Pb umbilical cord serum concentration (μg L(-1)) was significantly associated with a 0.29 cm (95% CI: -0.50, -0.09) decrease in birth height and a 0.22 cm (95%CI: -0.44, 0.00) decrease in head circumference. The middle tertile Pb and Hg exposure levels were found significantly negative effects on birth outcomes compared with low tertile exposure levels. Exposure to Cd showed no apparent effect on birth outcomes. Our results suggested that Pb and Hg exposure has potential adverse effects on birth outcomes in Chinese fish consumers from Yangtze River outlet and Hangzhou bay estuary regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengling Tang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation & Ecosystem Health, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Chenye Xu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation & Ecosystem Health, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Nan Lin
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation & Ecosystem Health, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Kai Liu
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, POPs Research Center, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yongli Zhang
- Zhoushan Municipal for Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Health Risk Factors for Seafood of Zhejiang Province, Zhoushan 316000, China
| | - Xinwei Yu
- Zhoushan Municipal for Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Health Risk Factors for Seafood of Zhejiang Province, Zhoushan 316000, China
| | - Weiping Liu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation & Ecosystem Health, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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Zorana KG, Alica P, Jasna J. Influence of abatement of lead exposure in Croatia on blood lead and ALAD activity. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2016; 23:898-907. [PMID: 26351197 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-015-5338-1] [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: 03/04/2015] [Accepted: 08/28/2015] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
We evaluated the effect of lead (Pb) abatement measures in Croatia on blood lead (BPb) concentrations, and delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) activity in blood, as a sensitive indicator of early Pb effect. Data on BPb and ALAD activity were obtained from 829 Croatian men (19-64 years of age), with no known occupational exposure to metals. Data obtained in 2008-2009, after the ban of leaded gasoline in Croatia in 2006, were compared with similar data collected in 1981 and 1989, when the concentration of Pb in gasoline was 0.6 g/L. Our results showed a highly significant (p < 0.001) decrease in median BPb from 114.5 (range, 46.0-275.0) μg/L in 1981/1989 to 30.3 (range, 3.2-140.8) μg/L in 2008-2009 and an increase in median ALAD activity from 49.8 (range, 24.9-79.4) EU in 1981/1989 to 60.9 (range, 35.8-84.0) EU in 2008-2009. Individual factors influencing BPb values were, in the order of decreasing importance, Pb in ambient air (APb), alcohol consumption, age, and smoking. Increased ALAD activity was significantly associated with the decrease of APb, alcohol consumption, and smoking. These results show that lead abatement measures had a positive impact on both BPb concentrations (73.5% decrease) and the activity of ALAD (22.1% increase) in general population. Our results contribute to growing evidence that ALAD activity may be used as one of the earliest and sensitive diagnostic biomarkers of low-level Pb exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kljaković-Gašpić Zorana
- Analytical Toxicology and Mineral Metabolism Unit, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, P. O. Box 291, HR-10001, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Pizent Alica
- Analytical Toxicology and Mineral Metabolism Unit, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, P. O. Box 291, HR-10001, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Jurasović Jasna
- Analytical Toxicology and Mineral Metabolism Unit, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, P. O. Box 291, HR-10001, Zagreb, Croatia.
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Llop S, Ballester F, Broberg K. Effect of Gene-Mercury Interactions on Mercury Toxicokinetics and Neurotoxicity. Curr Environ Health Rep 2015; 2:179-94. [DOI: 10.1007/s40572-015-0047-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Barcelos GRM, Souza MFD, Oliveira AÁSD, Lengert AVH, Oliveira MTD, Camargo RBDOG, Grotto D, Valentini J, Garcia SC, Braga GÚL, Cólus IMDS, Adeyemi J, Barbosa F. Effects of genetic polymorphisms on antioxidant status and concentrations of the metals in the blood of riverside Amazonian communities co-exposed to Hg and Pb. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2015; 138:224-232. [PMID: 25728017 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2015.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2014] [Revised: 02/10/2015] [Accepted: 02/14/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
There have been reports of genetic effects affecting the metabolism of Hg and Pb individually, and thus modulating their toxicities. However, there is still a knowledge gap with respect to how genetics may influence the toxicities of these toxic metals during a co-exposure scenario. This present study is therefore aimed at investigating the effects of polymorphisms in genes (GSTM1, GSTT1, GSTP1, GCLM, GCLC, GPx1, ALAD, VDR and MDR1) that have been implicated in Hg and Pb metabolisms affects the kinetics of these metals, as well as various blood antioxidant status parameters: MDA and GSH, and the activities of CAT, GPx and ALAD among populations that have been co-exposed to both Hg and Pb. Study subjects (207 men; 188 women) were from an Amazonian population in Brazil, exposed to Hg and Pb from diet. The blood levels of Hg and Pb were determined by ICP-MS while genotyping were performed by PCR assays. The median values of Hg and Pb in blood were 39.8µg/L and 11.0µg/dL, respectively. GSTM1, ALAD and VDR polymorphisms influenced Hg in blood (β=0.17; 0.37 and 0.17; respectively, p<0.050) while variations on GCLM, GSTT1 and MDR1 (TT) modulated the concentrations of Pb among the subjects (β=-0.14; 0.13 and -0.22; re-spectively, p<0.050). GSTT1 and GCLM polymorphisms also are associated to changes of MDA concentrations. Persons with null GSTM1 genotype had higher activity of the antioxidant enzyme CAT than carries of the allele. Individuals with deletion of both GSTM1 and GSTT1 had a decreased expression of GPx compared to those that expressed at least, one of the enzymes. ALAD 1/2 subjects had lower ALAD activity than individuals with the non-variant genotype. Our findings give further support that polymorphisms related to Hg and Pb metabolism may modulate Hg and Pb body burden and, consequently metals-induced toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Rafael Mazzaron Barcelos
- Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Avenida do Café s/no, CEP 14040-903 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
| | - Marilesia Ferreira de Souza
- Department of General Biology, Center for Biological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid km 380, CEP 86051-990 Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Andréia Ávila Soares de Oliveira
- Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Avenida do Café s/no, CEP 14040-903 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - André van Helvoort Lengert
- Department of General Biology, Center for Biological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid km 380, CEP 86051-990 Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Tempesta de Oliveira
- Department of General Biology, Center for Biological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid km 380, CEP 86051-990 Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | | | - Denise Grotto
- Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Avenida do Café s/no, CEP 14040-903 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Juliana Valentini
- Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Avenida do Café s/no, CEP 14040-903 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Solange Cristina Garcia
- School of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Ipiranga, 2752, CEP 90610-000, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Gilberto Úbida Leite Braga
- Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Avenida do Café s/no, CEP 14040-903 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Ilce Mara de Syllos Cólus
- Department of General Biology, Center for Biological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid km 380, CEP 86051-990 Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Joseph Adeyemi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Basic and Applied Sciences, Osun State University, P.M.B. 4494 Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Fernando Barbosa
- Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Avenida do Café s/no, CEP 14040-903 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
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Vejrup K, Brantsæter AL, Knutsen HK, Magnus P, Alexander J, Kvalem HE, Meltzer HM, Haugen M. Prenatal mercury exposure and infant birth weight in the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study. Public Health Nutr 2014; 17:2071-80. [PMID: 24103413 PMCID: PMC11108685 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980013002619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2013] [Revised: 08/06/2013] [Accepted: 08/14/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the association between calculated maternal dietary exposure to Hg in pregnancy and infant birth weight in the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study (MoBa). DESIGN Exposure was calculated with use of a constructed database of Hg in food items and reported dietary intake during pregnancy. Multivariable regression models were used to explore the association between maternal Hg exposure and infant birth weight, and to model associations with small-for-gestational-age offspring. SETTING The study is based on data from MoBa. SUBJECTS The study sample consisted of 62 941 women who answered a validated FFQ which covered the habitual diet during the first five months of pregnancy. RESULTS Median exposure to Hg was 0·15 μg/kg body weight per week and the contribution from seafood intake was 88 % of total Hg exposure. Women in the highest quintile compared with the lowest quintile of Hg exposure delivered offspring with 34 g lower birth weight (95 % CI -46 g, -22 g) and had an increased risk of giving birth to small-for-gestational-age offspring, adjusted OR = 1·19 (95 % CI 1·08, 1·30). Although seafood intake was positively associated with increased birth weight, stratified analyses showed negative associations between Hg exposure and birth weight within strata of seafood intake. CONCLUSIONS Although seafood intake in pregnancy is positively associated with birth weight, Hg exposure is negatively associated with birth weight. Seafood consumption during pregnancy should not be avoided, but clarification is needed to identify at what level of Hg exposure this risk might exceed the benefits of seafood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristine Vejrup
- Division of Epidemiology, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Post Box 4404 Nydalen, NO-0403 Oslo, Norway
| | - Anne Lise Brantsæter
- Division of Environmental Medicine, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Helle K Knutsen
- Division of Environmental Medicine, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Per Magnus
- Division of Epidemiology, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Post Box 4404 Nydalen, NO-0403 Oslo, Norway
| | - Jan Alexander
- Office of Director-General, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Helen E Kvalem
- Division of Environmental Medicine, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- Bjørknes College, Oslo, Norway
| | - Helle M Meltzer
- Division of Environmental Medicine, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Margaretha Haugen
- Division of Environmental Medicine, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
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Woods JS, Heyer NJ, Russo JE, Martin MD, Farin FM. Genetic polymorphisms affecting susceptibility to mercury neurotoxicity in children: summary findings from the Casa Pia Children's Amalgam clinical trial. Neurotoxicology 2014; 44:288-302. [PMID: 25109824 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2014.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2014] [Revised: 07/29/2014] [Accepted: 07/30/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is neurotoxic, and children may be particularly susceptible to this effect. A current major challenge is identification of children who may be uniquely susceptible to Hg toxicity because of genetic predisposition. We examined the possibility that common genetic variants that are known to affect neurologic functions or Hg handling in adults would modify the adverse neurobehavioral effects of Hg exposure in children. Three hundred thirty subjects who participated as children in the recently completed Casa Pia Clinical Trial of Dental Amalgams in Children were genotyped for 27 variants of 13 genes that are reported to affect neurologic functions and/or Hg disposition in adults. Urinary Hg concentrations, reflecting Hg exposure from any source, served as the Hg exposure index. Regression modeling strategies were employed to evaluate potential associations between allelic status for individual genes or combinations of genes, Hg exposure, and neurobehavioral test outcomes assessed at baseline and for 7 subsequent years during the clinical trial. Among boys, significant modification of Hg effects on neurobehavioral outcomes over a broad range of neurologic domains was observed with variant genotypes for 4 of 13 genes evaluated. Modification of Hg effects on a more limited number of neurobehavioral outcomes was also observed for variants of another 8 genes. Cluster analyses suggested some genes interacting in common processes to affect Hg neurotoxicity. In contrast, significant modification of Hg effects on neurobehavioral functions among girls with the same genotypes was substantially more limited. These observations suggest increased susceptibility to the adverse neurobehavioral effects of Hg among children, particularly boys, with genetic variants that are relatively common to the general human population. These findings advance public health goals to identify factors underlying susceptibility to Hg toxicity and may contribute to strategies for preventing adverse health risks associated with Hg exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- James S Woods
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Nicholas J Heyer
- Battelle Centers for Public Health Research and Evaluation, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Joan E Russo
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Michael D Martin
- Departments of Oral Medicine and Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Federico M Farin
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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Prince L, Korbas M, Davidson P, Broberg K, Rand MD. Target organ specific activity of drosophila MRP (ABCC1) moderates developmental toxicity of methylmercury. Toxicol Sci 2014; 140:425-35. [PMID: 24863968 PMCID: PMC4176053 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfu095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2014] [Accepted: 05/13/2014] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) is a ubiquitous and persistent neurotoxin that poses a risk to human health. Although the mechanisms of MeHg toxicity are not fully understood, factors that contribute to susceptibility are even less well known. Studies of human gene polymorphisms have identified a potential role for the multidrug resistance-like protein (MRP/ABCC) family, ATP-dependent transporters, in MeHg susceptibility. MRP transporters have been shown to be important for MeHg excretion in adult mouse models, but their role in moderating MeHg toxicity during development has not been explored. We therefore investigated effects of manipulating expression levels of MRP using a Drosophila development assay. Drosophila MRP (dMRP) is homologous to human MRP1-4 (ABCC1-4), sharing 50% identity and 67% similarity with MRP1. A greater susceptibility to MeHg is seen in dMRP mutant flies, demonstrated by reduced rates of eclosion on MeHg-containing food. Furthermore, targeted knockdown of dMRP expression using GAL4>UAS RNAi methods demonstrates a tissue-specific function for dMRP in gut, Malpighian tubules, and the nervous system in moderating developmental susceptibility to MeHg. Using X-ray synchrotron fluorescence imaging, these same tissues were also identified as the highest Hg-accumulating tissues in fly larvae. Moreover, higher levels of Hg are seen in dMRP mutant larvae compared with a control strain fed an equivalent dose of MeHg. In sum, these data demonstrate that dMRP expression, both globally and within Hg-targeted organs, has a profound effect on susceptibility to MeHg in developing flies. Our findings point to a potentially novel and specific role for dMRP in neurons in the protection against MeHg. Finally, this experimental system provides a tractable model to evaluate human polymorphic variants of MRP and other gene variants relevant to genetic studies of mercury-exposed populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Prince
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Ave, Box EHSC, Rochester, New York 14642
| | - Malgorzata Korbas
- Canadian Light Source Inc. 44 Innovation Boulevard, Saskatoon, SK S7N 2V3, Canada Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Philip Davidson
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Ave, Box EHSC, Rochester, New York 14642 Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Ave, Box EHSC, Rochester, New York 14642
| | - Karin Broberg
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Box 210, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden, 171-77
| | - Matthew Dearborn Rand
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Ave, Box EHSC, Rochester, New York 14642
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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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Llop S, Engström K, Ballester F, Franforte E, Alhamdow A, Pisa F, Tratnik JS, Mazej D, Murcia M, Rebagliato M, Bustamante M, Sunyer J, Sofianou-Katsoulis Α, Prasouli A, Antonopoulou E, Antoniadou I, Nakou S, Barbone F, Horvat M, Broberg K. Polymorphisms in ABC transporter genes and concentrations of mercury in newborns--evidence from two Mediterranean birth cohorts. PLoS One 2014; 9:e97172. [PMID: 24831289 PMCID: PMC4022503 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0097172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2013] [Accepted: 04/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The genetic background may influence methylmercury (MeHg) metabolism and neurotoxicity. ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporters actively transport various xenobiotics across biological membranes. Objective To investigate the role of ABC polymorphisms as modifiers of prenatal exposure to MeHg. Methods The study population consisted of participants (n = 1651) in two birth cohorts, one in Italy and Greece (PHIME) and the other in Spain (INMA). Women were recruited during pregnancy in Italy and Spain, and during the perinatal period in Greece. Total mercury concentrations were measured in cord blood samples by atomic absorption spectrometry. Maternal fish intake during pregnancy was determined from questionnaires. Polymorphisms (n = 5) in the ABC genes ABCA1, ABCB1, ABCC1 and ABCC2 were analysed in both cohorts. Results ABCB1 rs2032582, ABCC1 rs11075290, and ABCC2 rs2273697 modified the associations between maternal fish intake and cord blood mercury concentrations. The overall interaction coefficient between rs2032582 and log2-transformed fish intake was negative for carriers of GT (β = −0.29, 95%CI −0.47, −0.12) and TT (β = −0.49, 95%CI −0.71, −0.26) versus GG, meaning that for a doubling in fish intake of the mothers, children with the rs2032582 GG genotype accumulated 35% more mercury than children with TT. For rs11075290, the interaction coefficient was negative for carriers of TC (β = −0.12, 95%CI −0.33, 0.09), and TT (β = −0.28, 95%CI −0.51, −0.06) versus CC. For rs2273697, the interaction coefficient was positive when combining GA+AA (β = 0.16, 95%CI 0.01, 0.32) versus GG. Conclusion The ABC transporters appear to play a role in accumulation of MeHg during early development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Llop
- Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research in the Valencian Region, FISABIO, Valencia, Spain
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Karin Engström
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Ferran Ballester
- Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research in the Valencian Region, FISABIO, Valencia, Spain
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- School of Nursing, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Elisa Franforte
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Ayman Alhamdow
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Federica Pisa
- Unit of Hygiene and Epidemiology, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Janja Snoj Tratnik
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Datja Mazej
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Mario Murcia
- Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research in the Valencian Region, FISABIO, Valencia, Spain
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Marisa Rebagliato
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- Medicine Department, Jaume I University, Castelló de la Plana, Spain
| | - Mariona Bustamante
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona, Spain
- Hospital del Mar Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
- Center for Genomic Regulation (CRG), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Sunyer
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona, Spain
- Hospital del Mar Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
- Pompeu Fabra University (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Alexia Prasouli
- Department of Social and Developmental Paediatrics Institute of Child Health, Athens, Greece
| | - Eleni Antonopoulou
- Department of Social and Developmental Paediatrics Institute of Child Health, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioanna Antoniadou
- Department of Social and Developmental Paediatrics Institute of Child Health, Athens, Greece
| | - Sheena Nakou
- Department of Social and Developmental Paediatrics Institute of Child Health, Athens, Greece
| | - Fabio Barbone
- Unit of Hygiene and Epidemiology, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Milena Horvat
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Karin Broberg
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- * E-mail:
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Genetic polymorphisms in glutathione (GSH-) related genes affect the plasmatic Hg/whole blood Hg partitioning and the distribution between inorganic and methylmercury levels in plasma collected from a fish-eating population. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:940952. [PMID: 24696865 PMCID: PMC3947838 DOI: 10.1155/2014/940952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2013] [Accepted: 01/08/2014] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to evaluate the effects of polymorphisms in glutathione (GSH-) related genes (GSTM1, GSTT1, GSTP1, GCLM, and GCLC) in the distribution of Hg in the blood compartments in humans exposed to methylmercury (MeHg). Subjects (n = 88), exposed to MeHg from fish consumption, were enrolled in the study. Hg species in the plasma compartment were determined by LC-ICP-MS, whereas genotyping was performed by PCR assays. Mean total Hg levels in plasma (THgP) and whole blood (THgB) were 10 ± 4.2 and 37 ± 21, whereas mean levels of plasmatic MeHg (MeHgP), inorganic Hg (IHgP), and HgP/HgB were 4.3 ± 2.9, 5.8 ± 2.3 µg/L, and 0.33 ± 0.15, respectively. GSTM1 and GCLC polymorphisms influence THgP and MeHgP (multivariate analyses, P < 0.050). Null homozygotes for GSTM1 showed higher THgP and MeHgP levels compared to subjects with GSTM1 (THgP β = 0.22, P = 0.035; MeHgP β = 0.30, P = 0.050) and persons carrying at least one T allele for GCLC had significant higher MeHgP (β = 0.59, P = 0.046). Also, polymorphic GCLM subjects had lower THgP/THgB than those with the nonvariant genotype. Taken together, data of this study suggest that GSH-related polymorphisms may change the metabolism of MeHg by modifying the distribution of mercury species iin plasma compartment and the HgP/HgB partitioning.
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Julvez J, Grandjean P. Genetic susceptibility to methylmercury developmental neurotoxicity matters. Front Genet 2013; 4:278. [PMID: 24379825 PMCID: PMC3861742 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2013.00278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2013] [Accepted: 11/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Julvez
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health Boston, MA, USA ; Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology Catalonia, Spain
| | - Philippe Grandjean
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health Boston, MA, USA ; Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Southern Denmark Odense, Denmark
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Barcelos GRM, Grotto D, de Marco KC, Valentini J, Lengert AVH, de Oliveira AÁS, Garcia SC, Braga GÚL, Schläwicke Engström K, Cólus IMDS, Broberg K, Barbosa F. Polymorphisms in glutathione-related genes modify mercury concentrations and antioxidant status in subjects environmentally exposed to methylmercury. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2013; 463-464:319-325. [PMID: 23827356 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2013.06.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2013] [Revised: 06/04/2013] [Accepted: 06/05/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) toxicity may vary widely despite similar levels of exposure. This is hypothetically related to genetic differences in enzymes metabolizing MeHg. MeHg causes oxidative stress in experimental models but little is known about its effects on humans. The aims of the present study was to evaluate the effects of polymorphisms in glutathione (GSH)-related genes (GSTM1, GSTT1, GSTP1 and GCLM) on Hg concentrations in blood and hair, as well as MeHg-related effects on catalase (CAT) and glutathione-peroxidase (GPx) activity and GSH concentrations. Study subjects were from an Amazonian population in Brazil chronically exposed to MeHg from fish. Hg in blood and hair were determined by ICP-MS, CAT, GPx and GSH were determined by spectrophotometry, and multiplex PCR (GSTM1 and GSTT1) and TaqMan assays (GSTP1 and GCLM) were used for genotyping. Mean Hg concentrations in blood and hair were 48±36 μg/L and 14±10 μg/g. Persons with the GCLM-588 TT genotype had lower blood and hair Hg than did C-allele carriers (linear regression for Hg in blood β=-0.32, p=0.017; and hair β=-0.33; p=0.0090; adjusted for fish intake, age and gender). GSTM1*0 homozygous had higher blood (β=0.20; p=0.017) and hair Hg (hair β=0.20; p=0.013). Exposure to MeHg altered antioxidant status (CAT: β=-0.086; GSH: β=-0.12; GPx: β=-0.16; all p<0.010; adjusted for gender, age and smoking). Persons with GSTM1*0 had higher CAT activity in the blood than those with GSTM1. Our data thus indicate that some GSH-related polymorphisms, such as GSTM1 and GCLM may modify MeHg metabolism and Hg-related antioxidant effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Rafael Mazzaron Barcelos
- Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Avenida do Café s/no, CEP 14040-903, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Woods JS, Heyer NJ, Russo JE, Martin MD, Pillai PB, Farin FM. Modification of neurobehavioral effects of mercury by genetic polymorphisms of metallothionein in children. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2013; 39:36-44. [PMID: 23827881 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2013.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2012] [Revised: 06/13/2013] [Accepted: 06/19/2013] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is neurotoxic, and children may be particularly susceptible to this effect. A current major challenge is the identification of children who may be uniquely susceptible to Hg toxicity because of genetic disposition. We examined the hypothesis that genetic variants of metallothionein (MT) that are reported to affect Hg toxicokinetics in adults would modify the neurotoxic effects of Hg in children. Five hundred seven children, 8-12 years of age at baseline, participated in a clinical trial to evaluate the neurobehavioral effects of Hg from dental amalgam tooth fillings. Subjects were evaluated at baseline and at 7 subsequent annual intervals for neurobehavioral performance and urinary Hg levels. Following the completion of the clinical trial, we performed genotyping assays for variants of MT isoforms MT1M (rs2270837) and MT2A (rs10636) on biological samples provided by 330 of the trial participants. Regression modeling strategies were employed to evaluate associations between allelic status, Hg exposure, and neurobehavioral test outcomes. Among girls, few significant interactions or independent main effects for Hg exposure and either of the MT gene variants were observed. In contrast, among boys, numerous significant interaction effects between variants of MT1M and MT2A, alone and combined, with Hg exposure were observed spanning multiple domains of neurobehavioral function. All dose-response associations between Hg exposure and test performance were restricted to boys and were in the direction of impaired performance. These findings suggest increased susceptibility to the adverse neurobehavioral effects of Hg among children with relatively common genetic variants of MT, and may have important public health implications for future strategies aimed at protecting children and adolescents from the potential health risks associated with Hg exposure. We note that because urinary Hg reflects a composite exposure index that cannot be attributed to a specific source, these findings do not support an association between Hg in dental amalgams specifically and the adverse neurobehavioral outcomes observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- James S Woods
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
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Engström K, Ameer S, Bernaudat L, Drasch G, Baeuml J, Skerfving S, Bose-O'Reilly S, Broberg K. Polymorphisms in genes encoding potential mercury transporters and urine mercury concentrations in populations exposed to mercury vapor from gold mining. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2013; 121:85-91. [PMID: 23052037 PMCID: PMC3553430 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1204951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2012] [Accepted: 10/09/2012] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Elemental mercury (Hg0) is widely used in small-scale gold mining. Persons working or living in mining areas have high urinary concentrations of Hg (U-Hg). Differences in genes encoding potential Hg-transporters may affect uptake and elimination of Hg. OBJECTIVE We aimed to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in Hg-transporter genes that modify U-Hg. METHODS Men and women (1,017) from Indonesia, the Philippines, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe were classified either as controls (no Hg exposure from gold mining) or as having low (living in a gold-mining area) or high exposure (working as gold miners). U-Hg was analyzed by cold-vapor atomic absorption spectrometry. Eighteen SNPs in eight Hg-transporter genes were analyzed. RESULTS U-Hg concentrations were higher among ABCC2/MRP2 rs1885301 A-allele carriers than among GG homozygotes in all populations, though differences were not statistically significant in most cases. MRP2 SNPs showed particularly strong associations with U-Hg in the subgroup with highest exposure (miners in Zimbabwe), whereas rs1885301 A-allele carriers had higher U-Hg than GG homozygotes [geometric mean (GM): 36.4 µg/g creatinine vs. 21.9; p = 0.027], rs2273697 GG homozygotes had higher U-Hg than A-allele carriers (GM: 37.4 vs. 16.7; p = 0.001), and rs717620 A-allele carriers had higher U-Hg than GG homozygotes (GM: 83 vs. 28; p = 0.084). The SLC7A5/LAT1 rs33916661 GG genotype was associated with higher U-Hg in all populations (statistically significant for all Tanzanians combined). SNPs in SLC22A6/OAT1 (rs4149170) and SLC22A8/OAT3 (rs4149182) were associated with U-Hg mainly in the Tanzanian study groups. CONCLUSIONS SNPs in putative Hg-transporter genes may influence U-Hg concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Engström
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
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Fletcher AM, Gelberg KH. An Analysis of Mercury Exposures Among the Adult Population in New York State. J Community Health 2012; 38:529-37. [DOI: 10.1007/s10900-012-9646-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Serum long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, mercury, and risk of sudden cardiac death in men: a prospective population-based study. PLoS One 2012; 7:e41046. [PMID: 22815906 PMCID: PMC3397970 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0041046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2011] [Accepted: 06/21/2012] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Fish consumption has been associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), especially sudden cardiac death (SCD). Fish is the major source of long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid. It is also a major source of methylmercury, which was associated with increased risk of CVD in this study population. Impact of interaction between long-chain n-3 PUFA and methylmercury on the SCD risk is unknown. Methods A total of 1857 men from the prospective, population-based Kuopio Ischaemic Heart Disease Risk Factor study, aged 42–60 years and free of CVD at baseline in 1984–1989, were studied. Serum long-chain n-3 PUFA was used as the marker for long-chain n-3 PUFA intake and hair mercury as the marker for mercury exposure. Results During the mean follow-up of 20.1 years, 91 SCD events occurred. In the multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models, serum long-chain n-3 PUFA concentration was not associated with the risk of SCD until hair mercury was accounted for; then the hazard ratio (HR) in the highest vs. lowest tertile was 0.54 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.32 to 0.91, p for trend = 0.046]. When the analyses were stratified by hair mercury content, among those with lower hair mercury, each 0.5 percentage unit increase in the serum long-chain n-3 PUFA was associated with HR of 0.77 (95% CI 0.64 to 0.93), whereas no association was seen among those with higher hair mercury (p for interaction = 0.01). Among the individual long-chain n-3 PUFA, docosahexaenoic acid was most strongly associated with the risk. Conclusion High exposure to mercury may reduce the benefits of long-chain n-3 PUFA on SCD.
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Woods JS, Heyer NJ, Echeverria D, Russo JE, Martin MD, Bernardo MF, Luis HS, Vaz L, Farin FM. Modification of neurobehavioral effects of mercury by a genetic polymorphism of coproporphyrinogen oxidase in children. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2012; 34:513-21. [PMID: 22765978 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2012.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2012] [Revised: 06/22/2012] [Accepted: 06/23/2012] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is neurotoxic, and children may be particularly susceptible to this effect. A current major challenge is the identification of children who may be uniquely susceptible to Hg toxicity because of genetic disposition. We examined the hypothesis that CPOX4, a genetic variant of the heme pathway enzyme coproporphyrinogen oxidase (CPOX) that affects susceptibility to mercury toxicity in adults, also modifies the neurotoxic effects of Hg in children. Five hundred seven children, 8-12 years of age at baseline, participated in a clinical trial to evaluate the neurobehavioral effects of Hg from dental amalgam tooth fillings in children. Subjects were evaluated at baseline and at 7 subsequent annual intervals for neurobehavioral performance and urinary mercury levels. Following the completion of the clinical trial, genotyping assays for CPOX4 allelic status were performed on biological samples provided by 330 of the trial participants. Regression modeling strategies were employed to evaluate associations between CPOX4 status, Hg exposure, and neurobehavioral test outcomes. Among girls, few significant CPOX4-Hg interactions or independent main effects for Hg or CPOX4 were observed. In contrast, among boys, numerous significant interaction effects between CPOX4 and Hg were observed spanning all 5 domains of neurobehavioral performance. All underlying dose-response associations between Hg exposure and test performance were restricted to boys with the CPOX4 variant, and all of these associations were in the expected direction where increased exposure to Hg decreased performance. These findings are the first to demonstrate genetic susceptibility to the adverse neurobehavioral effects of Hg exposure in children. The paucity of responses among same-age girls with comparable Hg exposure provides evidence of sexual dimorphism in genetic susceptibility to the adverse neurobehavioral effects of Hg in children and adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- James S Woods
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA.
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Fretham SJ, Caito S, Martinez-Finley EJ, Aschner M. Mechanisms and Modifiers of Methylmercury-Induced Neurotoxicity. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2012; 1:32-38. [PMID: 27795823 DOI: 10.1039/c2tx20010d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The neurotoxic consequences of methylmercury (MeHg) exposure have long been known, however a complete understanding of the mechanisms underlying this toxicity is elusive. Recent epidemiological and experimental studies have provided many mechanistic insights, particularly into the contribution of genetic and environmental factors that interact with MeHg to modify toxicity. This review will outline cellular processes directly and indirectly affected by MeHg, including oxidative stress, cellular signaling and gene expression, and discuss genetic, environmental and nutritional factors capable of modifying MeHg toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Jb Fretham
- Department of Pediatrics and Department of Pharmacology, and the Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Samuel Caito
- Department of Pediatrics and Department of Pharmacology, and the Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Ebany J Martinez-Finley
- Department of Pediatrics and Department of Pharmacology, and the Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Pediatrics and Department of Pharmacology, and the Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
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Wang Y, Goodrich JM, Gillespie B, Werner R, Basu N, Franzblau A. An investigation of modifying effects of metallothionein single-nucleotide polymorphisms on the association between mercury exposure and biomarker levels. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2012; 120:530-4. [PMID: 22233731 PMCID: PMC3339459 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1104079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2011] [Accepted: 01/09/2012] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies have suggested that several genes that mediate mercury metabolism are polymorphic in humans. OBJECTIVE We hypothesized that single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in metallothionein (MT) genes may underlie interindividual differences in mercury biomarker levels. We studied the potential modifying effects of MT SNPs on mercury exposure-biomarker relationships. METHODS We measured total mercury in urine and hair samples of 515 dental professionals. We also surveyed occupational and personal exposures to dental amalgam and dietary fish consumption, from which daily methylmercury (MeHg) intake was estimated. Log-transformed urine and hair levels were modeled in multivariable linear regression separately against respective exposure surrogates, and the effect modification of 13 MT SNPs on exposure was investigated. RESULTS The mean mercury levels in urine (1.06 μg/L) and hair (0.51 μg/g) were not significantly different from the U.S. general population (0.95 μg/L and 0.47 μg/g, respectively). The mean estimated daily MeHg intake was 0.084 μg/kg/day (range, 0-0.98 μg/kg/day), with 25% of study population intakes exceeding the current U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reference dose of 0.1 μg/kg/day. Multivariate regression analysis showed that subjects with the MT1M (rs2270837) [corrected] AA genotype (n = 10) or the MT2A (rs10636) CC genotype (n = 42) had lower urinary mercury levels than did those with the MT1M or MT2A GG genotype (n = 329 and 251, respectively) after controlling for exposure and potential confounders. After controlling for MeHg intake, subjects with MT1A (rs8052394) GA and GG genotypes (n = 24) or the MT1M (rs9936741) TT genotype (n = 459) had lower hair mercury levels than did subjects with MT1A AA (n = 113) or MT1M TC and CC genotypes (n = 15), respectively. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that some MT genetic polymorphisms may influence mercury biomarker concentrations at levels of exposure relevant to the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Wang
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-2029, USA
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Goodrich JM, Basu N. Variants of glutathione s-transferase pi 1 exhibit differential enzymatic activity and inhibition by heavy metals. Toxicol In Vitro 2012; 26:630-5. [PMID: 22401947 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2012.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2011] [Revised: 02/18/2012] [Accepted: 02/20/2012] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Nonsynonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms in glutathione s-transferase pi 1 (GSTP1; Ile/Val 105, Ala/Val 114) have been associated with altered toxicant metabolism in epidemiological cohorts. We explored the impact of GSTP1 genotype on enzyme kinetics and heavy metal inhibition in vitro. Four GSTP1 allozymes (105/114: Ile/Ala, Val/Ala, Ile/Val, Val/Val) were expressed in and purified from Escherichia coli. Enzyme activity assays quantifying the rate of glutathione conjugation with 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB) revealed significant differences in kinetic parameters depending on genotype (p<0.01). Allozymes with Ile105 had better catalytic efficiency and greater affinity for CDNB (mean ± SEM: Ile105 Ala114 K(m)=0.33 ± 0.07 mM vs. Val105 Ala114 K(m)=1.15 ± 0.07 mM). Inhibition of GSTP1 activity by heavy metals was assessed following treatment with mercury (inorganic-HgCl(2), methylmercury-MeHg), selenium, cadmium, lead, arsenic, and manganese. All allozymes were inhibited by HgCl(2) (IC(50) range: 24.1-172 μM), MeHg (93.9-480 μM), and selenium (43.7-62.8 μM). Genotype significantly influenced the potency of mercury with GSTP1 Ile105 Val114 the least sensitive and Val105 Ala114 the most sensitive to inhibition by HgCl(2) and MeHg. Overall, genotype of two nonsynonymous polymorphisms in GSTP1 influenced enzyme kinetics pertaining to an electrophilic substrate and inhibition by two mercury species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaclyn M Goodrich
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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Wang Y, Goodrich JM, Werner R, Gillespie B, Basu N, Franzblau A. An investigation of modifying effects of single nucleotide polymorphisms in metabolism-related genes on the relationship between peripheral nerve function and mercury levels in urine and hair. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2012; 417-418:32-8. [PMID: 22236634 PMCID: PMC3299006 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2011.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2011] [Revised: 11/30/2011] [Accepted: 12/06/2011] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a potent neurotoxicant. We hypothesized that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes coding glutathione-related proteins, selenoproteins and metallothioneins may modify the relationship of mercury biomarkers with changes in peripheral nerve function. Dental professionals (n=515) were recruited in 2009 and 2010. Sensory nerve function (onset latency, peak latency and amplitude) of the median, ulnar and sural nerves was recorded. Samples of urine, hair and DNA were collected. Covariates related to demographics, nerve function and elemental and methyl-mercury exposure were also collected. Subjects included 244 dentists (47.4%) and 269 non-dentists (52.2%; mostly dental hygienists and dental assistants). The mean mercury levels in urine (1.06 μg/L) and hair (0.51 μg/g) were not significantly different from the US general population (0.95 μg/L and 0.47 μg/g, respectively). In multivariate linear models predicting nerve function adjusting for covariates, only 3 out of a total of 504 models showed stable and statistically significant interaction of SNPs with mercury biomarkers. Overall, given the possibility of false positives, the results suggested little evidence of effect modification of the SNPs on the relationship between mercury biomarkers with peripheral nerve function at exposure levels that are relevant to the general US population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Wang
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, University of Michigan School of Public Health, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI USA 48109
| | - Jaclyn M. Goodrich
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, University of Michigan School of Public Health, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI USA 48109
| | - Robert Werner
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, University of Michigan School of Public Health, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI USA 48109
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, University of Michigan School of Public Health, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI USA 48109
| | - Brenda Gillespie
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, University of Michigan School of Public Health, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI USA 48109
| | - Niladri Basu
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, University of Michigan School of Public Health, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI USA 48109
| | - Alfred Franzblau
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, University of Michigan School of Public Health, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI USA 48109
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