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de los Santos C, Pastor JC, Calonge M. Mercury intoxication and ophthalmic involvement: An update review. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2023; 5:1148357. [PMID: 37063600 PMCID: PMC10102333 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2023.1148357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Human intoxication after mercury exposure is a rare condition that can cause severe damage to the central nervous, respiratory, cardiovascular, renal, gastrointestinal, skin, and visual systems and represents a major public health concern. Ophthalmic involvement includes impaired function of the extraocular muscles and the eyelids, as well as structural changes in the ocular surface, lens, retina, and optic nerve causing a potential irreversible damage to the visual system. Although, there are many pathways for poisoning depending on the mercury form, it has been suggested that tissue distribution does not differ in experimental animals when administered as mercury vapor, organic mercury, or inorganic mercury. Additionally, visual function alterations regarding central visual acuity, color discrimination, contrast sensitivity, visual field and electroretinogram responses have also been described widely. Nevertheless, there is still controversy about whether visual manifestations occur secondary to brain damage or as a direct affectation, and which ocular structure is primarily affected. Despite the use of some imaging techniques such as in vivo confocal microscopy of the cornea, optical coherence tomography (OCT) of the retina and optic nerve, and functional tests such as electroretinography has helped to solve in part this debate, further studies incorporating other imaging modalities such as autofluorescence, OCT angiography or adaptive optics retinal imaging are needed. This review aims to summarize the published structural and functional alterations found in the visual system of patients suffering from mercury intoxication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristian de los Santos
- Institute of Applied Ophthalmobiology (IOBA), Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
- *Correspondence: Cristian de los Santos,
| | - J. Carlos Pastor
- Institute of Applied Ophthalmobiology (IOBA), Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
- Centro en Red de Medicina Regenerativa y Terapia Celular. Junta de Castilla y León, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Margarita Calonge
- Institute of Applied Ophthalmobiology (IOBA), Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
- Centro en Red de Medicina Regenerativa y Terapia Celular. Junta de Castilla y León, Valladolid, Spain
- CIBER-BBN, Carlos III National Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain
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2
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Multi-Elemental Analysis of Human Optic Chiasm-A New Perspective to Reveal the Pathomechanism of Nerve Fibers' Degeneration. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19074420. [PMID: 35410100 PMCID: PMC8998695 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19074420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The effect of metals on the functioning of the human eye is multifactorial and includes enzyme activity modulation, trace metal metabolic pathways changes, and cytotoxic activity. Functional dysfunctions appear mostly as a result of the accumulation of toxic xenobiotic metals or disturbances of micronutrients’ homeostasis. So far, the affinity of selected metals to eye tissues, i.e., the cornea, choroid, lens, and anterior chamber fluid, has been most studied. However, it is known that many eye symptoms are related to damage to the optic nerve. In order to fill this gap, the aim of the study is to perform a multi-element analysis of tissue collected postmortem from optic chiasm and optic nerves. A total of 178 samples from 107 subjects were tested. The concentrations of 51 elements were quantified by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) after the wet-mineralization step. In terms of elemental composition, the optic chiasm is dominated by two trace elements, i.e., iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn), besides macro-elements Ca, K, Na, P, and Mg. The subjects formed a homogeneous cluster (over 70% subjects) with the highest accumulation of aluminum (Al). The remaining two departing clusters were characterized by an increased content of most of the elements, including toxic elements such as bismuth (Bi), uranium (U), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), and cadmium (Cd). Changes in elemental composition with age were analyzed statistically for the selected groups, i.e., females, males, and subjects with alcohol use disorder (AUD) and without AUD. A tendency of women to lose Se, Cu, Zn, Fe with age was observed, and a disturbed Ca/Mg, Na/K ratio in subjects with AUD. Although the observed trends were not statistically significant, they shed new light on the risks and possible pathologies associated with metal neurotoxicity in the visual tract.
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Baj J, Forma A, Kobak J, Tyczyńska M, Dudek I, Maani A, Teresiński G, Buszewicz G, Januszewski J, Flieger J. Toxic and Nutritional Optic Neuropathies—An Updated Mini-Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19053092. [PMID: 35270784 PMCID: PMC8910489 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19053092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Optic neuropathies constitute a group of conditions with various etiologies and might be caused by different factors; we can distinguish the genetic and acquired causes of optic neuropathies. Even though the symptoms are not highly specific, this condition is primarily characterized by unilateral or bilateral vision loss with worsening color detection. The loss may be acute or gradual depending on the causation. In this article, we included a specification of toxic optic neuropathy (TON) mainly triggered by alcohol abuse and also the usage of other substances, including drugs or methanol, as well as intoxication by metals, organic solvents, or carbon dioxide. Nutritional deficiencies, vitamin absorption disorder, and anemia, which usually appear during excessive alcohol intake, and their effect on the etiology of the optic neuropathy have been likewise discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacek Baj
- Department of Human Anatomy, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 4, 20-090 Lublin, Poland; (J.B.); (A.M.)
| | - Alicja Forma
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8b, 20-090 Lublin, Poland; (J.K.); (M.T.); (I.D.); (G.T.); (G.B.); (J.J.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Joanna Kobak
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8b, 20-090 Lublin, Poland; (J.K.); (M.T.); (I.D.); (G.T.); (G.B.); (J.J.)
| | - Magdalena Tyczyńska
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8b, 20-090 Lublin, Poland; (J.K.); (M.T.); (I.D.); (G.T.); (G.B.); (J.J.)
| | - Iga Dudek
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8b, 20-090 Lublin, Poland; (J.K.); (M.T.); (I.D.); (G.T.); (G.B.); (J.J.)
| | - Amr Maani
- Department of Human Anatomy, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 4, 20-090 Lublin, Poland; (J.B.); (A.M.)
| | - Grzegorz Teresiński
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8b, 20-090 Lublin, Poland; (J.K.); (M.T.); (I.D.); (G.T.); (G.B.); (J.J.)
| | - Grzegorz Buszewicz
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8b, 20-090 Lublin, Poland; (J.K.); (M.T.); (I.D.); (G.T.); (G.B.); (J.J.)
| | - Jacek Januszewski
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8b, 20-090 Lublin, Poland; (J.K.); (M.T.); (I.D.); (G.T.); (G.B.); (J.J.)
| | - Jolanta Flieger
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4A, 20-093 Lublin, Poland;
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Pastor-Idoate S, Coco-Martin RM, Zabalza I, Lantigua Y, Fernández I, Pérez-Castrillón JL, Cuadrado R, de Lazaro JA, Morejon A, Dueñas-Laita A, Pastor JC. Long-term visual pathway alterations after elemental mercury poisoning: report of a series of 29 cases. J Occup Med Toxicol 2021; 16:49. [PMID: 34772411 PMCID: PMC8590381 DOI: 10.1186/s12995-021-00341-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are few clinical data on retinal involvement after acute exposure to high concentrations mercury and the available reports are based on a small number of patients suffering chronic exposure. The purpose of this paper is to report findings in workers acutely exposed to very high concentrations of mercury vapor with the aim of providing data on a possible direct retinal involvement. METHODS Twenty-nine patients and 16 controls were evaluated in a comparative case series. Mercury levels in blood and urine samples, visual acuity (VA), contrast sensitivity (CS), visual field (VF), color discrimination and optical coherence tomography (OCT) were recorded. The pattern reversal visual-evoked potentials (PRVEP), full-field and multifocal electroretinography (ffERG/mfERG), pattern electroretinography (PERG), systemic symptoms, presence of erethism, and electromyography (EMG) were also gathered. A descriptive analysis was performed. The correlations between variables also were studied. In addition, electrophysiological data from those patients with deeper VF defects (group 1) were compared with a normal control group. RESULTS Twenty-six workers exhibited symptoms of erethism. The EMG showed sensorimotor polyneuropathy and multiple mononeuropathy. The VA was slightly affected in 48.27% (n = 14) of subjects. Loss of CS in at least one of four spatial frequencies and color vision alterations occurred in 96.5% (n = 28) and 44.8% (n = 13), respectively. VF alterations were identified in 72.4% (n = 21) patients. No morphologic changes were seen in the OCT scans. Latencies over 100 milliseconds and reduced amplitudes of P100 were found in the PRVEP (p < 0.05). The reduced amplitude of the b wave at the ffERG, of the P50 at the PERG and of the P1 wave at the mfERG results (p < 0.05) suggested that the outer retina was involved. Significant negative correlations among blood mercury levels, VA, and ffERG were observed. CONCLUSIONS In this case series, showed that acute exposure to mercury vapor had a hazardous effect on the visual system. Although neurologic and visual pathway involvement was clearly demonstrated, the differences found compared to control support the existence of a direct functional retinal damage and participation in impaired vision in mercury poisoning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvador Pastor-Idoate
- Institute of Applied Ophthalmobiology (IOBA), Eye Institute, University of Valladolid, Campus Miguel Delibes, P° de Belén n° 17, 47011, Valladolid, Spain.,Cooperative Health Network for Research in Ophthalmology Oftared, National Institute of Health Carlos III, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain.,Clinic University Hospital of Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Rosa M Coco-Martin
- Institute of Applied Ophthalmobiology (IOBA), Eye Institute, University of Valladolid, Campus Miguel Delibes, P° de Belén n° 17, 47011, Valladolid, Spain. .,Cooperative Health Network for Research in Ophthalmology Oftared, National Institute of Health Carlos III, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Iratxe Zabalza
- Institute of Applied Ophthalmobiology (IOBA), Eye Institute, University of Valladolid, Campus Miguel Delibes, P° de Belén n° 17, 47011, Valladolid, Spain.,Puerta del Mar University Hospital of Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Yrbani Lantigua
- Institute of Applied Ophthalmobiology (IOBA), Eye Institute, University of Valladolid, Campus Miguel Delibes, P° de Belén n° 17, 47011, Valladolid, Spain.,University Hospital of Burgos, Burgos, Spain
| | - Itziar Fernández
- Institute of Applied Ophthalmobiology (IOBA), Eye Institute, University of Valladolid, Campus Miguel Delibes, P° de Belén n° 17, 47011, Valladolid, Spain.,Cooperative Health Network for Research in Ophthalmology Oftared, National Institute of Health Carlos III, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jose L Pérez-Castrillón
- Institute of Applied Ophthalmobiology (IOBA), Eye Institute, University of Valladolid, Campus Miguel Delibes, P° de Belén n° 17, 47011, Valladolid, Spain.,Department of Internal Medicine, Río Hortega University Hospital, University of Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Ruben Cuadrado
- Institute of Applied Ophthalmobiology (IOBA), Eye Institute, University of Valladolid, Campus Miguel Delibes, P° de Belén n° 17, 47011, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Jose A de Lazaro
- Institute of Applied Ophthalmobiology (IOBA), Eye Institute, University of Valladolid, Campus Miguel Delibes, P° de Belén n° 17, 47011, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Angela Morejon
- Institute of Applied Ophthalmobiology (IOBA), Eye Institute, University of Valladolid, Campus Miguel Delibes, P° de Belén n° 17, 47011, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Antonio Dueñas-Laita
- Institute of Applied Ophthalmobiology (IOBA), Eye Institute, University of Valladolid, Campus Miguel Delibes, P° de Belén n° 17, 47011, Valladolid, Spain.,Unit of Clinical Toxicology, Río Hortega University Hospital, University of Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Jose C Pastor
- Institute of Applied Ophthalmobiology (IOBA), Eye Institute, University of Valladolid, Campus Miguel Delibes, P° de Belén n° 17, 47011, Valladolid, Spain.,Cooperative Health Network for Research in Ophthalmology Oftared, National Institute of Health Carlos III, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain.,Clinic University Hospital of Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
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5
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Lacerda EMDCB, Souza GDS, Cortes MIT, Rodrigues AR, Pinheiro MCN, Silveira LCDL, Ventura DF. Comparison of Visual Functions of Two Amazonian Populations: Possible Consequences of Different Mercury Exposure. Front Neurosci 2020; 13:1428. [PMID: 32038136 PMCID: PMC6985551 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.01428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study investigated the visual perimetry and color vision of two Amazonian populations differently exposed to mercury. Ten riverines environmentally exposed to mercury by fish eating and 34 gold-miners occupationally exposed to mercury vapor. The visual perimetry was estimated using the Förster perimeter and the color vision was evaluated using a computerized version of Farnsworth-Munsell test. Riverine and gold-miners' hair mercury concentrations were quantified. Mercury hair concentration of the riverines was significantly higher than that from gold-miners. Riverines had lower perimetric area than the gold-miners. The errors in the hue ordering test of both Amazonian populations were larger than the controls (non-exposed subjects), but there was no difference between themselves. Riverines had significant multiple association between the visual function and hair mercury concentration, while the gold-miners has no significant association with the exposure. We concluded that the different ways of mercury exposure led to similar visual outcomes, with greater impairment in riverines (organic mercury exposed subjects).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Givago da Silva Souza
- Núcleo de Medicina Tropical, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Brazil.,Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Luiz Carlos de Lima Silveira
- Núcleo de Medicina Tropical, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Brazil.,Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Dora Fix Ventura
- Instituto de Psicologia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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6
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Feitosa-Santana C, Souza GDS, Sirius EVP, Rodrigues AR, Cortes MIT, Silveira LCDL, Ventura DF. Color vision impairment with low-level methylmercury exposure of an Amazonian population – Brazil. Neurotoxicology 2018; 66:179-184. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2018.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Revised: 01/27/2018] [Accepted: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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7
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Calabrese EJ, Iavicoli I, Calabrese V, Cory-Slechta DA, Giordano J. Elemental mercury neurotoxicity and clinical recovery of function: A review of findings, and implications for occupational health. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2018; 163:134-148. [PMID: 29438899 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2018.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Revised: 01/16/2018] [Accepted: 01/17/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
This paper assessed approximately 30 studies, mostly involving occupationally exposed subjects, concerning the extent to which those who developed elemental mercury (Hg)-induced central and/or peripheral neurotoxicities from chronic or acute exposures recover functionality and/or performance. While some recovery occurred in the vast majority of cases, the extent of such recoveries varied considerably by individual and endpoint. Factors accounting for the extensive inter-individual variation in toxicity and recovery were not specifically assessed such as age, gender, diet, environmental enrichment, chelation strategies and dose-rate. While the data indicate that psychomotor endpoints often show substantial and relatively rapid (i.e., 2-6 months) recovery and that neuropsychological endpoints display slower and less complete recovery, generalizations are difficult due to highly variable study designs, use of different endpoints measured between studies, different Hg exposures based on blood/urine concentrations and Hg dose-rates, the poor capacity for replicating findings due to the unpredictable/episodic nature of harmful exposures to elemental Hg, and the inconsistency of the initiation of studies after induced toxicities and the differing periods of follow up during recovery periods. Finally, there is strikingly limited animal model literature on the topic of recovery/reversibility of elemental Hg toxicity, a factor which significantly contributes to the overall marked uncertainties for predicting the rate and magnitude of recovery and the factors that affect it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward J Calabrese
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Morrill I, N344, Amherst, MA 01003, USA.
| | - Ivo Iavicoli
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Via S. Pansini 5, Naples 80131, Italy.
| | - Vittorio Calabrese
- Department of Biomed & Biotech Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 97, Catania 95125, Italy.
| | - Deborah A Cory-Slechta
- Environmental Medicine, Pediatrics & Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, NY 14642, USA.
| | - James Giordano
- Department of Neurology and Biochemistry, and Neuroethics Studies Program-Pellegrino Center for Clinical Bioethics, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, D.C. 20057, USA.
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8
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dos Santos Freitas J, da Costa Brito Lacerda EM, da Silva Martins ICV, Rodrigues D, Bonci DMO, Cortes MIT, Corvelo TCO, Ventura DF, de Lima Silveira LC, da Conceição Nascimento Pinheiro M, da Silva Souza G. Cross-sectional study to assess the association of color vision with mercury hair concentration in children from Brazilian Amazonian riverine communities. Neurotoxicology 2018; 65:60-67. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2018.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2016] [Revised: 02/06/2018] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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9
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Fox DA. Retinal and visual system: occupational and environmental toxicology. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2015; 131:325-40. [PMID: 26563796 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-62627-1.00017-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Occupational chemical exposure often results in sensory systems alterations that occur without other clinical signs or symptoms. Approximately 3000 chemicals are toxic to the retina and central visual system. Their dysfunction can have immediate, long-term, and delayed effects on mental health, physical health, and performance and lead to increased occupational injuries. The aims of this chapter are fourfold. First, provide references on retinal/visual system structure, function, and assessment techniques. Second, discuss the retinal features that make it especially vulnerable to toxic chemicals. Third, review the clinical and corresponding experimental data regarding retinal/visual system deficits produced by occupational toxicants: organic solvents (carbon disulfide, trichloroethylene, tetrachloroethylene, styrene, toluene, and mixtures) and metals (inorganic lead, methyl mercury, and mercury vapor). Fourth, discuss occupational and environmental toxicants as risk factors for late-onset retinal diseases and degeneration. Overall, the toxicants altered color vision, rod- and/or cone-mediated electroretinograms, visual fields, spatial contrast sensitivity, and/or retinal thickness. The findings elucidate the importance of conducting multimodal noninvasive clinical, electrophysiologic, imaging and vision testing to monitor toxicant-exposed workers for possible retinal/visual system alterations. Finally, since the retina is a window into the brain, an increased awareness and understanding of retinal/visual system dysfunction should provide additional insight into acquired neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald A Fox
- Departments of Vision Sciences, Biology and Biochemistry, Pharmacology, and Health and Human Performance, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA.
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10
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Goulart PRK, Bonci DMO, Galvão ODF, Silveira LCDL, Ventura DF. Color discrimination in the tufted capuchin monkey, Sapajus spp. PLoS One 2013; 8:e62255. [PMID: 23620819 PMCID: PMC3631197 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0062255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2012] [Accepted: 03/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study evaluated the efficacy of an adapted version of the Mollon-Reffin test for the behavioral investigation of color vision in capuchin monkeys. Ten tufted capuchin monkeys (Sapajus spp., formerly referred to as Cebus apella) had their DNA analyzed and were characterized as the following: one trichromat female, seven deuteranope dichromats (six males and one female), and two protanope males, one of which was identified as an “ML protanope.” For their behavioral characterization, all of the subjects were tested at three regions of the Commission International de l'Eclairage (CIE) 1976 u′v′ diagram, with each test consisting of 20 chromatic variation vectors that were radially distributed around the chromaticity point set as the test background. The phenotypes inferred from the behavioral data were in complete agreement with those predicted from the genetic analysis, with the threshold distribution clearly differentiating between trichromats and dichromats and the estimated confusion lines characteristically converging for deuteranopes and the “classic” protanope. The discrimination pattern of the ML protanope was intermediate between protan and deutan, with confusion lines horizontally oriented and parallel to each other. The observed phenotypic differentiation confirmed the efficacy of the Mollon-Reffin test paradigm as a useful tool for evaluating color discrimination in nonhuman primates. Especially noteworthy was the demonstration of behavioral segregation between the “classic” and “ML” protanopes, suggesting identifiable behavioral consequences of even slight variations in the spectral sensitivity of M/L photopigments in dichromats.
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Aslan L, Aslankurt M, Bozkurt S, Aksoy A, Ozdemir M, Gizir H, Yasar I. Ophthalmic findings in acute mercury poisoning in adults: A case series study. Toxicol Ind Health 2013; 31:691-5. [PMID: 23524881 DOI: 10.1177/0748233713483189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study is to report ophthalmic findings of acute mercury poisoning in 48 adults referred to emergency department. Full ophthalmologic examination including the best corrected visual acuity, external eye examination, reaction to light, a slit-lamp examination, funduscopy, intraocular pressure measurements, and visual field (VF) and color vision (CV) tests were performed at the presentation and repeated after 6 months. The parametric values of VF test, the mean deviation (MD), and pattern standard deviation (PSD) were recorded in order to compare patients and the 30 healthy controls. The mean parameter of color confusion index in patients was found to be statistically different than controls (p < 0.01). The MD and PSD in patients were different from controls statistically significant (p < 0.01 and p < 0.01, respectively). There was no correlation between the ocular findings and the urine and blood mercury levels. Methyl mercury, held in the school laboratory for experimental purpose, may be a source of poisoning. In this case series, we showed that acute exposure to mercury had hazardous effect on the visual system, especially CV and VF. We propose that emphasizing the public education on the potential hazards of mercury is crucial for preventive community health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Selim Bozkurt
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Kahramanmaras Sutcuimam University, Kahramanmaras, Turkey
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12
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Costa TL, Barboni MTS, Moura ALDA, Bonci DMO, Gualtieri M, de Lima Silveira LC, Ventura DF. Long-term occupational exposure to organic solvents affects color vision, contrast sensitivity and visual fields. PLoS One 2012; 7:e42961. [PMID: 22916187 PMCID: PMC3419737 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0042961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2012] [Accepted: 07/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the visual outcome of chronic occupational exposure to a mixture of organic solvents by measuring color discrimination, achromatic contrast sensitivity and visual fields in a group of gas station workers. We tested 25 workers (20 males) and 25 controls with no history of chronic exposure to solvents (10 males). All participants had normal ophthalmologic exams. Subjects had worked in gas stations on an average of 9.6±6.2 years. Color vision was evaluated with the Lanthony D15d and Cambridge Colour Test (CCT). Visual field assessment consisted of white-on-white 24–2 automatic perimetry (Humphrey II-750i). Contrast sensitivity was measured for sinusoidal gratings of 0.2, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 5.0, 10.0 and 20.0 cycles per degree (cpd). Results from both groups were compared using the Mann–Whitney U test. The number of errors in the D15d was higher for workers relative to controls (p<0.01). Their CCT color discrimination thresholds were elevated compared to the control group along the protan, deutan and tritan confusion axes (p<0.01), and their ellipse area and ellipticity were higher (p<0.01). Genetic analysis of subjects with very elevated color discrimination thresholds excluded congenital causes for the visual losses. Automated perimetry thresholds showed elevation in the 9°, 15° and 21° of eccentricity (p<0.01) and in MD and PSD indexes (p<0.01). Contrast sensitivity losses were found for all spatial frequencies measured (p<0.01) except for 0.5 cpd. Significant correlation was found between previous working years and deutan axis thresholds (rho = 0.59; p<0.05), indexes of the Lanthony D15d (rho = 0.52; p<0.05), perimetry results in the fovea (rho = −0.51; p<0.05) and at 3, 9 and 15 degrees of eccentricity (rho = −0.46; p<0.05). Extensive and diffuse visual changes were found, suggesting that specific occupational limits should be created.
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13
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Morphological evidence of neurotoxicity in retina after methylmercury exposure. Neurotoxicology 2012; 33:407-15. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2012.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2011] [Revised: 04/03/2012] [Accepted: 04/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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14
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Sletvold H, Svendsen K, Aas O, Syversen T, Hilt B. Neuropsychological function and past exposure to metallic mercury in female dental workers. Scand J Psychol 2011; 53:136-43. [PMID: 22092046 PMCID: PMC3412222 DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-9450.2011.00929.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to see if dental personnel with previous exposure to metallic mercury have later developed disturbances in cognitive function. Ninety-one female participants who had been selected from a previous health survey of dental personnel were investigated neuropsychologically within the following domains: motor function, short-term memory, working memory, executive function, mental flexibility, and visual and verbal long-term memory. The scores were mainly within normal ranges. Relationships between an exposure score, the duration of employment before 1990, and previously measured mercury in urine as independent variables and the neuropsychological findings as dependent variables, were analyzed by multiple linear regression controlling for age, general ability, length of education, alcohol consumption, and previous head injuries. The only relationship that was statistically significant in the hypothesized direction was between the previously measured urine mercury values and visual long-term memory, where the urine values explained 30% of the variability. As the study had a low statistical power and also some other methodological limitations, the results have to be interpreted with caution. Even so, we think it is right to conclude that neuropsychological findings indicative of subsequent cognitive injuries are difficult to find in groups of otherwise healthy dental personnel with previous occupational exposure to mercury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helge Sletvold
- Department of Industrial Economics and Technology Management, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
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Abstract
Apresentamos a Psicofísica como uma ciência aplicada nas investigações e nas abordagens e diagnósticos clínicos. Inicialmente, introduzimos algo dos aspectos epistemológicos e teóricos da área, passamos para as abordagens que a Psicofísica pode apresentar na aplicabilidade clínica e, por fim, discutimos os avanços recentes da aplicação clínica, apresentamos as experiências de nosso laboratório de pesquisa clínica em psicofísica, finalizando com as perspectivas de ampliação do uso da psicofísica para investigações clínicas de funções perceptuais mais complexas.
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Feitosa-Santana C, Bimler DL, Paramei GV, Oiwa NN, Barboni MTS, Costa MF, Silveira LCL, Ventura DF. Color-space distortions following long-term occupational exposure to mercury vapor. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 2010; 30:724-30. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1475-1313.2010.00764.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Preliminary Findings on the Effects of Occupational Exposure to Mercury Vapor Below Safety Levels on Visual and Neuropsychological Functions. J Occup Environ Med 2009; 51:1403-12. [DOI: 10.1097/jom.0b013e3181bca9ea] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Abstract
This longitudinal study addresses the reversibility of color vision losses in subjects who had been occupationally exposed to mercury vapor. Color discrimination was assessed in 20 Hg-exposed patients (mean age = 42.4 ± 6.5 years; 6 females and 14 males) with exposure to Hg vapor during 10.5 ± 5.3 years and away from the work place (relative to 2002) for 6.8 ± 4.2 years. During the Hg exposure or up to one year after ceasing it, mean urinary Hg concentration was 47 ± 35.4 μg/g creatinine. There was no information on Hg urinary concentration at the time of the first tests, in 2002 (Ventura et al., 2005), but at the time of the follow-up tests, in 2005, this value was 1.4 ± 1.4 μg/g creatinine for patients compared with 0.5 ± 0.5 μg/g creatinine for controls (different group from the one in Ventura et al. (2005)). Color vision was monocularly assessed using the Cambridge Colour Test (CCT). Hg-exposed patients had significantly worse color discrimination (p < 0.02) than controls, as evaluated by the size of MacAdam's color discrimination ellipses and color discrimination thresholds along protan, deutan, and tritan confusion axes. There were no significant differences between the results of the study in Ventura et al. (2005) and in the present follow-up measurements, in 2005, except for worsening of the tritan thresholds in the best eye in 2005. Both chromatic systems, blue-yellow and red-green, were affected in the first evaluation (Ventura et al., 2005) and remained impaired in the follow-up testing, in 2005. These findings indicate that following a long-term occupational exposure to Hg vapor, even several years away from the source of intoxication, color vision impairment remains irreversible.
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Barboni MTS, da Costa MF, Moura ALDA, Feitosa-Santana C, Gualtieri M, Lago M, Medrado-Faria MDA, Silveira LCDL, Ventura DF. Visual field losses in workers exposed to mercury vapor. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2008; 107:124-31. [PMID: 17719027 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2007.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2007] [Revised: 04/29/2007] [Accepted: 07/09/2007] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Visual field losses associated with mercury (Hg) exposure have only been assessed in patients exposed to methylmercury. Here we evaluate the automated visual field in 35 ex-workers (30 males; 44.20+/-5.92 years) occupationaly exposed to mercury vapor and 34 controls (21 males; 43.29+/-8.33 years). Visual fields were analyzed with the Humphrey Field Analyzer II (model 750i) using two tests: the standard automated perimetry (SAP, white-on-white) and the short wavelength automated perimetry (SWAP, blue-on-yellow) at 76 locations within a 27 degrees central visual field. Results were analyzed as the mean of the sensitivities measured at the fovea, and at five successive concentric rings, of increasing eccentricity, within the central field. Compared to controls, visual field sensitivities of the experimental group measured using SAP were lower for the fovea as well as for all five eccentricity rings (p<0.05). Sensitivities were significantly lower in the SWAP test (p<0.05) for four of the five extra-foveal eccentricity rings; they were not significant for the fovea (p=0.584) or for the 15 degrees eccentricity ring (p=0.965). These results suggest a widespread reduction of sensitivity in both visual field tests. Previous reports in the literature describe moderate to severe concentric constriction of the visual field in subjects with methylmercury intoxication measured manually with the Goldman perimeter. The present results amplify concerns regarding potential medical risks of exposure to environmental mercury sources by demonstrating significant and widespread reductions of visual sensitivity using the more reliable automated perimetry.
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Feitosa-Santana C, Oiwa NN, Costa MFD, Tiedemann KB, Silveira LCDL, Ventura DF. Espaço de cores. PSICOLOGIA USP 2006. [DOI: 10.1590/s0103-65642006000400003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
O artigo apresenta definições para os termos espaço de cores e sistemas de cores; classifica, de acordo com David Brainard (2003), os sistemas de cores em dois grupos: aparência de cores e diferenças de cores. Dentre os diversos sistemas de cores existentes, o artigo descreve dois deles: o sistema de cores Munsell &– um dos mais utilizados entre os sistemas de aparência de cores &– e a descrição do sistema de cores CIE 1931 &– um dos mais utilizados dentre os sistemas de diferença de cores. Faz-se uma retrospectiva histórica da busca por espaços de cores que representem a percepção de cores humana assim como as diversas reconstruções de espaços de cores por métodos eletrofisiológicos ou psicofísicos. Muitas dessas reconstruções utilizam a escala multidimensional (mds). O artigo também introduz a possibilidade da reconstrução dos espaços de cores de pacientes com discromatopsia adquirida como uma distorção do espaço de indivíduos tricromatas normais.
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