Methylmercury Impact on Adult Neurogenesis: Is the Worst Yet to Come From Recent Brazilian Environmental Disasters?

Illusion of Incense Smoke and Associated Health Risk: An Investigation of Ocular and Respiratory Particulate Deposition

The widespread use of incense in indoor environments, particularly in cultural and religious practices, poses significant health risks due to particulate matter (PM) emissions. This study examines the chemical composition, particle morphology, and deposition dynamics of PM from four types of incense: Cup dhoop, Cone dhoop, Natural Incense Powder, and Agarbatti. Advanced analytical techniques, including SEM, FTIR, ICP-MS, and CAM, were employed to characterize particles, focusing on their size, elemental makeup, and surface properties. Particle sizes ranged from 12.02 µm to 422.3 nm, with lenses showing higher concentrations than filters. Elements such as sodium (300 µg/m3) and mercury (1.99 µg/m3) were prominent in lenses, while arsenic (6.2 µg/m3) and cadmium (0.19 µg/m3) were dominant in filters. Neurotoxins like aluminum, lead, and mercury highlighted potential risks, including oxidative stress and systemic toxicity. Deposition modeling revealed age-related differences, with children (8 years) experiencing higher pulmonary deposition (16.8% for Cup dhoop), while adults (21 years) showed greater head region deposition (37.6% for Agarbatti). Hydrophobic particles in filters (contact angle 119.2°) contrasted with hydrophilic particles in lenses (69.8°), increasing ocular exposure risks. Cone dhoop exhibited the highest cancer risk, affecting 5 in 100,000 individuals, emphasizing its hazardous nature. FTIR identified microplastics like polypropylene and polyvinyl chloride, known to adsorb and transport heavy metals, compounding health risks. These findings highlight the critical health impacts of incense emissions, particularly for children, and underscore the urgent need for stricter regulations, improved ventilation, and public awareness to mitigate exposure.

Dynamic culture of cerebral organoids using a pillar/perfusion plate for the assessment of developmental neurotoxicity

Despite the potential toxicity of commercial chemicals to the development of the nervous system (known as developmental neurotoxicity or DNT), conventionalin vitrocell models have primarily been employed for the assessment of acute neuronal toxicity. On the other hand, animal models used for the assessment of DNT are not physiologically relevant due to the heterogenic difference between humans and animals. In addition, animal models are low-throughput, time-consuming, expensive, and ethically questionable. Recently, human brain organoids have emerged as a promising alternative to assess the detrimental effects of chemicals on the developing brain. However, conventional organoid culture systems have several technical limitations including low throughput, lack of reproducibility, insufficient maturity of organoids, and the formation of the necrotic core due to limited diffusion of nutrients and oxygen. To address these issues and establish predictive DNT models, cerebral organoids were differentiated in a dynamic condition in a unique pillar/perfusion plate, which were exposed to test compounds to evaluate DNT potential. The pillar/perfusion plate facilitated uniform, dynamic culture of cerebral organoids with improved proliferation and maturity by rapid, bidirectional flow generated on a digital rocker. Day 9 cerebral organoids in the pillar/perfusion plate were exposed to ascorbic acid (DNT negative) and methylmercury (DNT positive) in a dynamic condition for 1 and 3 weeks, and changes in organoid morphology and neural gene expression were measured to determine DNT potential. As expected, ascorbic acid did not induce any changes in organoid morphology and neural gene expression. However, exposure of day 9 cerebral organoids to methylmercury resulted in significant changes in organoid morphology and neural gene expression. Interestingly, methylmercury did not induce adverse changes in cerebral organoids in a static condition, thus highlighting the importance of dynamic organoid culture in DNT assessment.

Biomarkers of methylmercury neurotoxicity and neurodevelopmental features: A systematic review

The issue of MeHg contamination is a significant concern due to its detrimental impact on the environment. This study aimed to thoroughly investigate the effects of MeHg on neurodevelopmental biomarkers, as there is a lack of systematic reviews in this area. We conducted a comprehensive search of three databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) and found 522 records, which were then meticulously reviewed by two independent reviewers. A total of 66 studies were included, with biomarkers related to oxidative stress, neurotransmission, inflammation, epigenetics, and apoptosis being the most prominent. The results of both in vitro and in vivo models indicate that antioxidant enzymes and other oxidative stress-related markers are indeed, altered following MeHg exposure. Moreover, MeHg exposure causes significant disruptions to neurotransmitter levels, activities of neurotransmitter synthesis enzymes, receptor densities, and proteins involved in synaptic function. Proinflammatory biomarkers are consistently overexpressed in both MeHg-treated cells and the brains of exposed rats. Furthermore, studies on DNA methylation and biomarker activity suggest that MeHg exposure may lead to neurotoxicity and neurodevelopmental issues via perturbations to epigenetic markers and the apoptosis pathway.

Methylmercury neurotoxicity: Beyond the neurocentric view

Mercury is a highly toxic metal widely used in human activities worldwide, therefore considered a global public health problem. Many cases of mercury intoxication have occurred in history and represent a huge challenge nowadays. Of particular importance is its methylated form, methylmercury (MeHg). This mercurial species induces damage to several organs in the human body, especially to the central nervous system. Neurological impairments such as executive, memory, motor and visual deficits are associated with MeHg neurotoxicity. Molecular mechanisms involved in MeHg-induced neurotoxicity include excitotoxicity due to glutamatergic imbalance, disturbance in calcium homeostasis and oxidative balance, failure in synaptic support, and inflammatory response. Although neurons are largely affected by MeHg intoxication, they only represent half of the brain cells. Glial cells represent roughly 50 % of the brain cells and are key elements in the functioning of the central nervous system. Particularly, astrocytes and microglia are deeply involved in MeHg-induced neurotoxicity, resulting in distinct neurological outcomes depending on the context. In this review, we discuss the main findings on astroglial and microglial involvement as mediators of neuroprotective and neurotoxic responses to MeHg intoxication. The literature shows that these responses depend on chemical and morphophysiological features, thus, we present some insights for future investigations, considering the particularities of the context, including time and dose of exposure, brain region, and species of study.

Dynamic culture of cerebral organoids using a pillar/perfusion plate for the assessment of developmental neurotoxicity

Despite the potential toxicity of commercial chemicals to the development of the nervous system (known as developmental neurotoxicity or DNT), conventional in vitro cell models have primarily been employed for the assessment of acute neuronal toxicity. On the other hand, animal models used for the assessment of DNT are not physiologically relevant due to the heterogenic difference between humans and animals. In addition, animal models are low-throughput, time-consuming, expensive, and ethically questionable. Recently, human brain organoids have emerged as a promising alternative to assess the detrimental effects of chemicals on the developing brain. However, conventional organoid culture systems have several technical limitations including low throughput, lack of reproducibility, insufficient maturity of organoids, and the formation of the necrotic core due to limited diffusion of nutrients and oxygen. To address these issues and establish predictive DNT models, cerebral organoids were differentiated in a dynamic condition in a unique pillar/perfusion plate, which were exposed to test compounds to evaluate DNT potential. The pillar/perfusion plate facilitated uniform, dynamic culture of cerebral organoids with improved proliferation and maturity by rapid, bidirectional flow generated on a digital rocker. Day 9 cerebral organoids in the pillar/perfusion plate were exposed to ascorbic acid (DNT negative) and methylmercury (DNT positive) in a dynamic condition for 1 and 3 weeks, and changes in organoid morphology and neural gene expression were measured to determine DNT potential. As expected, ascorbic acid didn't induce any changes in organoid morphology and neural gene expression. However, exposure of day 9 cerebral organoids to methylmercury resulted in significant changes in organoid morphology and neural gene expression. Interestingly, methylmercury did not induce adverse changes in cerebral organoids in a static condition, thus highlighting the importance of dynamic organoid culture in DNT assessment.

Spodium Bonds Involving Methylmercury and Ethylmercury in Proteins: Insights from X-ray Analysis and Computations

In this study, the stability, directionality, and physical nature of Spodium bonds (SpBs, an attractive noncovalent force involving elements from group 12 and Lewis bases) between methylmercury (MeHg) and ethylmercury (EtHg) and amino acids (AAs) have been analyzed from both a structural (X-ray analysis) and theoretical (RI-MP2/def2-TZVP level of theory) point of view. More in detail, an inspection of the Protein Data Bank (PDB) reported evidence of noncovalent contacts between MeHg and EtHg molecules and electron-rich atoms (e.g., O atoms belonging to the protein backbone and S atoms from MET residues or the π-systems of aromatic AAs such as TYR or TRP). These results were rationalized through a computational study using MeHg coordinated to a thiolate group as a theoretical model and several neutral and charged electron-rich molecules (e.g., benzene, formamide, or chloride). The physical nature of the interaction was analyzed from electrostatics and orbital perspectives by performing molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) and natural bonding orbital (NBO) analyses. Lastly, the noncovalent interactions plot (NCIplot) technique was used to provide a qualitative view of the strength of the Hg SpBs and compare them to other ancillary interactions present in these systems as well as to shed light on the extension of the interaction in real space. We believe that the results derived from our study will be useful to those scientists devoted to protein engineering and bioinorganic chemistry as well as to expanding the current knowledge of SpBs among the chemical biology community.

Methylmercury (MeHg) transcriptionally regulates NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) in Hepa-1c1c7 cells

The detoxification of quinones through NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1) is a crucial mechanism to maintain cellular homeostasis. The exposure to heavy metals, specifically methylmercury (MeHg), induces several antioxidant enzymes, including NQO1. The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor-2 (NRF2) is known to regulate the expression of Nqo1 gene and also the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is another Nqo1 gene regulator. This co-regulation prompted us to investigate which transcription factor (NRF2 or AHR) orchestrates the regulation of NQO1 expression upon MeHg exposure. Therefore, we investigated how MeHg can modulate the level of NQO1 expression by exposing Hepa-1c1c7 cells to several concentrations of MeHg with and without the addition of NQO1 inducers, DL-sulforaphane (SUL) and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). We found that the mRNA expression of Nqo1 is up-regulated by MeHg in time- as well as dose-dependent fashions. Additionally, MeHg increased the NQO1 at all expression levels with and without the presence of its inducers, SUL or TCDD. Furthermore, the MeHg-mediated increase of NQO1 expression was in parallel with a concurrent increase in the nuclear localization of NRF2 protein, but not that of AHR. Mechanistically, the antioxidant response element-driven reporter gene activity was induced by 215% upon MeHg exposure. Also, transfecting Hepa-1c1c7 with Nrf2 siRNA reduced the MeHg-induced NQO1 protein expression by 60%. In conclusion, our findings provide evidence supporting the hypothesis that MeHg upregulates the Nqo1 gene through a transcriptional mechanism at least in part via a NRF2-dependent mechanism.

Methylmercury effects on avian brains

Methylmercury (MeHg) is a concerning contaminant due to its ubiquity and harmful effects on organisms. Although birds are important models in the neurobiology of vocal learning and adult neuroplasticity, the neurotoxic effects of MeHg are less understood in birds than mammals. We surveyed the literature on MeHg effects on biochemical changes in the avian brain. Publication rates of papers related to neurology and/or birds and/or MeHg increased with time and can be linked with historical events, regulations, and increased understanding of MeHg cycling in the environment. However, publications on MeHg effects on the avian brain remain relatively low across time. The neural effects measured to evaluate MeHg neurotoxicity in birds changed with time and researcher interest. The measures most consistently affected by MeHg exposure in birds were markers of oxidative stress. NMDA, acetylcholinesterase, and Purkinje cells also seem sensitive to some extent. MeHg exposure has the potential to affect most neurotransmitter systems but more studies are needed for validation in birds. We also review the main mechanisms of MeHg-induced neurotoxicity in mammals and compare it to what is known in birds. The literature on MeHg effects on the avian brain is limited, preventing full construction of an adverse outcome pathway. We identify research gaps for taxonomic groups such as songbirds, and age- and life-stage groups such as immature fledgling stage and adult non-reproductive life stage. In addition, results are often inconsistent between experimental and field studies. We conclude that future neurotoxicological studies of MeHg impacts on birds need to better connect the numerous aspects of exposure from molecular physiological effects to behavioural outcomes that would be ecologically or biologically relevant for birds, especially under challenging conditions.

Methylmercury drives lipid droplet formation and adipokine expression during the late stages of adipocyte differentiation in 3T3-L1 cells

Chronic exposure to methylmercury (MeHg) is positively associated with obesity and metabolic syndromes. However, the effect of MeHg on adipogenesis has not been thoroughly investigated. This study investigated the effects of continuous exposure to 0.5 µM MeHg on adipocyte differentiation in 3T3-L1 cells. Oil Red O staining and triglycerides (TG) assays demonstrated that MeHg enhanced the TG content in 3T3-L1 cells. MeHg enhanced the mRNA and protein expression of adipocyte differentiation markers including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, adiponectin, and fatty acid-binding protein, and their expression levels were prominent during the late stages (days 6-8) after the induction of differentiation. In addition, 0.5 µM MeHg promoted the expression of autophagy-related genes, including light chain 3 B-II and p62, after induction of differentiation. Treatment of 3T3-L1 cells with chloroquine (CQ), an autophagy inhibitor, during the early stages (days 0-2) after induction of differentiation inhibited cellular lipid accumulation in the presence of 0.5 µM MeHg. However, treatment with CQ during the late stages (days 6-8) had little effect on the MeHg-induced increase in TG content and the expression of adipocyte differentiation markers. Although the underlying mechanisms in the late stages remain to be completely elucidated, but the present data suggest that autophagy and other mechanisms play critical roles in adipogenesis during MeHg-induced differentiation. Collectively, our results suggest that continuous exposure to MeHg induces TG accumulation and expression of genes related to adipogenesis, especially during the late stages of 3T3-L1 differentiation, which may contribute to an improved understanding of MeHg-induced adipogenesis.

Chronic Methylmercury Intoxication Induces Systemic Inflammation, Behavioral, and Hippocampal Amino Acid Changes in C57BL6J Adult Mice

Methylmercury (MeHg) is highly toxic to the human brain. Although much is known about MeHg neurotoxic effects, less is known about how chronic MeHg affects hippocampal amino acids and other neurochemical markers in adult mice. In this study, we evaluated the MeHg effects on systemic lipids and inflammation, hippocampal oxidative stress, amino acid levels, neuroinflammation, and behavior in adult male mice. Challenged mice received MeHg in drinking water (2 mg/L) for 30 days. We assessed weight gain, total plasma cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), endotoxin, and TNF levels. Hippocampal myeloperoxidase (MPO), malondialdehyde (MDA), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), amino acid levels, and cytokine transcripts were evaluated. Mice underwent open field, object recognition, Y, and Barnes maze tests. MeHg-intoxicated mice had higher weight gain and increased the TG and TC plasma levels. Elevated circulating TNF and LPS confirmed systemic inflammation. Higher levels of MPO and MDA and a reduction in IL-4 transcripts were found in the hippocampus. MeHg-intoxication led to increased GABA and glycine, reduced hippocampal taurine levels, delayed acquisition in the Barnes maze, and poor locomotor activity. No significant changes were found in AChE activity and object recognition. Altogether, our findings highlight chronic MeHg-induced effects that may have long-term mental health consequences in prolonged exposed human populations.

Necrotic-like BV-2 microglial cell death due to methylmercury exposure

Methylmercury (MeHg) is a dangerous environmental contaminant with strong bioaccumulation in the food chain and neurotoxic properties. In the nervous system, MeHg may cause neurodevelopment impairment and potentially interfere with immune response, compromising proper control of neuroinflammation and aggravating neurodegeneration. Human populations are exposed to environmental contamination with MeHg, especially in areas with strong mining or industrial activity, raising public health concerns. Taking this into consideration, this work aims to clarify pathways leading to acute toxic effects caused by MeHg exposure in microglial cells. BV-2 mouse microglial cells were incubated with MeHg at different concentrations (0.01, 0.1, 1 and 10 µM) for 1 h prior to continuous Lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 0.5 μg/ml) exposure for 6 or 24 h. After cell exposure, reactive oxygen species (ROS), IL-6 and TNF-α cytokines production, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression, nitric oxide (NO) release, metabolic activity, propidium iodide (PI) uptake, caspase-3 and -9 activities and phagocytic activity were assessed. MeHg 10 µM decreased ROS formation, the production and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, TNF-α, iNOS immunoreactivity, the release of NO in BV-2 cells. Furthermore, MeHg 10 µM decreased the metabolic activity of BV-2 and increased the number of PI-positive cells (necrotic-like cell death) when compared to the respective control group. Besides, MeHg did not interfere with caspase activity or the phagocytic profile of cells. The short-term effects of a high concentration of MeHg on BV-2 microglial cells lead to impaired production of several pro-inflammatory mediators, as well as a higher microglial cell death via necrosis, compromising their neuroinflammatory response. Clarifying the mechanisms underlying MeHg-induced neurotoxicity and neurodegeneration in brain cells is relevant to better understand acute and long-term chronic neuroinflammatory responses following MeHg exposure.

Effect of alpha-mangostin in the prevention of behavioural and neurochemical defects in methylmercury-induced neurotoxicity in experimental rats

Methylmercury (MeHg+) is a known neurotoxin that causes progressive motor neuron degeneration in the central nervous system. Axonal degeneration, oligodendrocyte degeneration, and myelin basic protein (MBP) deficits are among the neuropathological abnormalities caused by MeHg+ in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This results in demyelination and motor neuron death in both humans and animals. Previous experimental studies have confirmed that overexpression of the extracellular signalling regulated kinase (ERK1/2) signalling contributes to glutamate excitotoxicity, inflammatory response of microglial cells, and oligodendrocyte (OL) dysfunction that promotes myelin loss. Alpha-mangostin (AMG), an active ingredient obtained from the tree "Garcinia mangostana Linn," has been used in experimental animals to treat a variety of brain disorders, including Parkinson's and Huntington's disease memory impairment, Alzheimer's disease, and schizophrenia, including Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease memory impairment, Alzheimer's disease, and schizophrenia. AMG has traditionally been used as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective agent.Accordingly, we investigated the therapeutic potential of AMG (100 and 200 mg/kg) in experimental rats with methylmercury (MeHg+)-induced neurotoxicity. The neuroprotective effect of AMG on behavioural, cellular, molecular, and other gross pathological changes, such as histopathological alterations in MeHg+ -treated rat brains, is presented. The neurological behaviour of experimental rats was evaluated using a Morris water maze (MWM), open field test (OFT), grip strength test (GST), and force swim test (FST). In addition, we investigate AMG's neuroprotective effect by restoring MBP levels in cerebral spinal fluid and whole rat brain homogenate. The apoptotic, pro-inflammatory, and oxidative stress markers were measured in rat blood plasma samples and brain homogenate. According to the findings of this study, AMG decreases ERK-1/2 levels and modulates neurochemical alterations in rat brains, minimising MeHg+ -induced neurotoxicity.

Comprehensive Review Regarding Mercury Poisoning and Its Complex Involvement in Alzheimer's Disease

Mercury (Hg) is considered one of the most widespread toxic environmental pollutants, which seems to have multiple effects on organisms even at low concentrations. It has a critical role in many health problems with harmful consequences, with Hg primarily targeting the brain and its components, such as the central nervous system (CNS). Hg exposure was associated with numerous CNS disorders that frequently trigger Alzheimer's disease (AD). Patients with AD have higher concentrations of Hg in blood and brain tissue. This paper aims to emphasize a correlation between Hg and AD based on the known literature in the occupational field. The outcome shows that all these concerning elements could get attributed to Hg. However, recent studies did not investigate the molecular level of Hg exposure in AD. The present review highlights the interactions between Hg and AD in neuronal degenerations, apoptosis, autophagy, oxidative stress (OS), mitochondrial malfunctions, gastrointestinal (GI) microflora, infertility and altering gene expression.

Methylmercury chronic exposure affects the expression of DNA single-strand break repair genes, induces oxidative stress, and chromosomal abnormalities in young dyslipidemic APOE knockout mice

Mercury (Hg) is one of the most toxic environmental pollutants, especially when methylated, forming methylmercury (MeHg). MeHg affects DNA repair, increases oxidative stress, and predisposes to cancer. MeHg neurotoxicity is well-known, but recently MeHg-associated cardiovascular effects were recognized. This study evaluated circulating lipids, oxidative stress, and genotoxicity after MeHg-chronic exposure (20 mg/L in drinking water) in C57BL/6J wild-type and APOE knockout (ko) mice, the latter, being spontaneously dyslipidemic. Experimental mice were assigned to four groups: non-intoxicated and MeHg-intoxicated wild-type mice and non-intoxicated and MeHg-intoxicated APOE ko mice. Plasma levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol (TC), HDL, and LDL were analyzed. Liver lipid peroxidation and splenic gene expression of xeroderma pigmentosum complementation groups A, C, D, and G (XPA, XPC, XPD, and XPG), X-ray repair cross-complementing protein 1 (XRCC1), and telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) were measured. Fur Hg levels confirmed chronic MeHg intoxication. MeHg exposure raises TC levels both in wild-type and APOE ko mice. HDL and LDL-cholesterol levels were increased only in the MeHg-challenged APOE ko mice. MeHg increased liver lipid peroxidation, regardless of the genetic background. Unintoxicated APOE ko mice showed higher expression of TERT than all other groups. APOE deficiency increases XPA expression, regardless of MeHg intoxication. Furthermore, MeHg-intoxicated mice had more cytogenetic abnormalities, effect which was independent of APOE deficiency. More studies are needed to dissect the interactions between circulating lipids, MeHg intoxication, and DNA-repair pathways even at young age, interactions that likely play critical roles in cell senescence and the risk for chronic disorders later in life.

An Assessment of Health Outcomes and Methylmercury Exposure in Munduruku Indigenous Women of Childbearing Age and Their Children under 2 Years Old

In line with the 1000-day initiative and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 2 and 3, we present a cross-sectional analysis of maternal health, infant nutrition, and methylmercury exposure within hard-to-reach indigenous communities in the state of Pará, Brazilian Amazon. We collected data from all women of childbearing age (i.e., 12-49) and their infants under two years old in three Munduruku communities (Sawré Muybu, Sawré Aboy, and Poxo Muybu) along the Tapajos River. We explored health outcomes through interviews, vaccine coverage and clinical assessment, and determined baseline hair methylmercury (H-Hg) levels. Hemoglobin, infant growth (Anthropometric Z scores) and neurodevelopment tests results were collected. We found that 62% of women of childbearing age exceeded the reference limit of 6.0 μg/g H-Hg (median = 7.115, IQR = 4.678), with the worst affected community (Sawré Aboy) registering an average H-Hg concentration of 12.67 μg/g. Half of infants aged under 24 months presented with anemia. Three of 16 (18.8%) infants presented H-Hg levels above 6.0 µg/g (median: 3.88; IQR = 3.05). Four of the 16 infants were found to be stunted and 38% of women overweight, evidencing possible nutritional transition. No infant presented with appropriate vaccination coverage for their age. These communities presented with an estimated Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) of 86.7/1000 live births. The highest H-Hg level (19.6 µg/g) was recorded in an 11-month-old girl who was found to have gross motor delay and anemia. This already vulnerable indigenous Munduruku community presents with undernutrition and a high prevalence of chronic methylmercury exposure in women of childbearing age. This dual public health crisis in the context of wider health inequalities has the potential to compromise the development, health and survival of the developing fetus and infant in the first two critical years of life. We encourage culturally sensitive intervention and further research to focus efforts.

Effects of Zinc, Mercury, or Lead on [3H]MK-801 and [3H]Fluorowillardiine Binding to Rat Synaptic Membranes

Glutamate (Glu) is considered the most important excitatory amino acid neurotransmitter in the mammalian Central Nervous System. Zinc (Zn) is co-released with Glu during synaptic transmission and interacts with Glutamate receptors and transporters. We performed binding experiments using [³H]MK-801 (NMDA), and [³H]Fluorowillardine (AMPA) as ligands to study Zn-Glutamate interactions in rat cortical synaptic membranes. We also examined the effects of mercury and lead on NMDA or AMPA receptors. Zinc at 1 nM, significantly potentiates [³H]MK-801 binding. Lead inhibits [³H]MK-801 binding at micromolar concentrations. At millimolar concentrations, Hg also has a significant inhibitory effect. These effects are not reversed by Zn (1 nM). Zinc displaces the [³H]FW binding curve to the right. Lead (nM) and Hg (μM) inhibit [³H]FW binding. At certain concentrations, Zn reverses the effects of these metals on [³H]FW binding. These specific interactions serve to clarify the role of Zn, Hg, and Pb in physiological and pathological conditions.

Mercury Toxicity and Neurogenesis in the Mammalian Brain

The mammalian brain is formed from billions of cells that include a wide array of neuronal and glial subtypes. Neural progenitor cells give rise to the vast majority of these cells during embryonic, fetal, and early postnatal developmental periods. The process of embryonic neurogenesis includes proliferation, differentiation, migration, the programmed death of some newly formed cells, and the final integration of differentiated neurons into neural networks. Adult neurogenesis also occurs in the mammalian brain, but adult neurogenesis is beyond the scope of this review. Developing embryonic neurons are particularly susceptible to neurotoxicants and especially mercury toxicity. This review focused on observations concerning how mercury, and in particular, methylmercury, affects neurogenesis in the developing mammalian brain. We summarized information on models used to study developmental mercury toxicity, theories of pathogenesis, and treatments that could be used to reduce the toxic effects of mercury on developing neurons.

Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms Mediating Methylmercury Neurotoxicity and Neuroinflammation

Methylmercury (MeHg) toxicity is a major environmental concern. In the aquatic reservoir, MeHg bioaccumulates along the food chain until it is consumed by riverine populations. There has been much interest in the neurotoxicity of MeHg due to recent environmental disasters. Studies have also addressed the implications of long-term MeHg exposure for humans. The central nervous system is particularly susceptible to the deleterious effects of MeHg, as evidenced by clinical symptoms and histopathological changes in poisoned humans. In vitro and in vivo studies have been crucial in deciphering the molecular mechanisms underlying MeHg-induced neurotoxicity. A collection of cellular and molecular alterations including cytokine release, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, Ca²⁺ and glutamate dyshomeostasis, and cell death mechanisms are important consequences of brain cells exposure to MeHg. The purpose of this review is to organize an overview of the mercury cycle and MeHg poisoning events and to summarize data from cellular, animal, and human studies focusing on MeHg effects in neurons and glial cells. This review proposes an up-to-date compendium that will serve as a starting point for further studies and a consultation reference of published studies.

New insights on mechanisms underlying methylmercury-induced and manganese-induced neurotoxicity

Toxic and essential elements are widely distributed in the Earth's crust and individuals may be exposed to several of them. Indeed, exposure to toxic elements such as mercury (Hg) can be a potential health risk factor of health, mainly by ingestion of fish containing methylmercury (MeHg). On the other hand, essential elements such as manganese (Mn) play an important role in physiological process in human body. However, Mn overexposure may cause toxic effects. In this respect, the neurotoxic effects of MeHg and Mn on the developing brain are well recognized. Therefore, in this critical review, we address the effects of MeHg and Mn on cell signaling pathways which may contribute to molecular mechanisms involved in MeHg- and Mn-induced neurotoxicity.