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Critical Care Nursing QuarterlyMercury poisoning is most frequently associated with multiorgan toxicity involving the brain, lungs, and kidneys. Cardiotoxic effects of mercury are rare and often... (Review)
Review
Mercury poisoning is most frequently associated with multiorgan toxicity involving the brain, lungs, and kidneys. Cardiotoxic effects of mercury are rare and often overlooked. We demonstrate mercury poisoning-induced cardiotoxicity through a case study and then provide a review of the incidence, pathophysiology, and associated management plans. This case illustrates the importance of thorough history-taking to promote early recognition of toxicity.
Topics: Humans; Mercury; Mercury Poisoning; Kidney; Heart Block
PubMed: 38031304
DOI: 10.1097/CNQ.0000000000000487 -
Ambio May 2023Mercury (Hg) is a chemical of health concern worldwide that is now being acted upon through the Minamata Convention. Operationalizing the Convention and tracking its... (Review)
Review
Mercury (Hg) is a chemical of health concern worldwide that is now being acted upon through the Minamata Convention. Operationalizing the Convention and tracking its effectiveness requires empathy of the diversity and variation of mercury exposure and risk in populations worldwide. As part of the health plenary for the 15th International Conference on Mercury as a Global Pollutant (ICMGP), this review paper details how scientific understandings have evolved over time, from tragic poisoning events in the mid-twentieth century to important epidemiological studies in the late-twentieth century in the Seychelles and Faroe Islands, the Arctic and Amazon. Entering the twenty-first century, studies on diverse source-exposure scenarios (e.g., ASGM, amalgams, contaminated sites, cosmetics, electronic waste) from across global regions have expanded understandings and exemplified the need to consider socio-environmental variables and local contexts when conducting health studies. We conclude with perspectives on next steps for mercury health research in the post-Minamata Convention era.
Topics: Humans; Arctic Regions; Denmark; Environmental Pollutants; Mercury; Environmental Exposure
PubMed: 36790578
DOI: 10.1007/s13280-023-01831-6 -
Journal of Environmental Pathology,... 2023Toxicity caused by heavy metals inflicts a grave global menace to the habitat and inhabitants. Arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg) are the... (Review)
Review
Toxicity caused by heavy metals inflicts a grave global menace to the habitat and inhabitants. Arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg) are the non-essential yet harmful heavy metals commonly associated with pollution and resultant health complications. Typical chelating/complexing agents are not worthy of combating heavy metal-induced sub-chronic and chronic toxicities. It transpires from scientific data mining that, honey obviates investigational heavy metal toxicity. This review aims to collate such investigations conducted against As, Cd, and Pb toxicity. There is a total of 19 pre-clinical works demonstrating the ameliorative effect of honey against empirical As, Cd, and Pb toxicity. Pre-clinical reports against Hg and clinical study against these heavy metals could not found. From the outcome of the current literature investigation, it seems that honey has a marked heavy metal toxicity meliorative effect which is chiefly ascribed to its innate antioxidant effect due to its diverse polyphenol content.
Topics: Humans; Cadmium; Honey; Lead; Metals, Heavy; Arsenic; Mercury; Heavy Metal Poisoning
PubMed: 36749092
DOI: 10.1615/JEnvironPatholToxicolOncol.2022045311 -
Nihon Eiseigaku Zasshi. Japanese... 2018Mercury and its compounds are classified into three main groups: metallic mercury (Hg), inorganic mercury (Hg), and organic mercury (methyl mercury: CHHg, etc.).... (Review)
Review
Mercury and its compounds are classified into three main groups: metallic mercury (Hg), inorganic mercury (Hg), and organic mercury (methyl mercury: CHHg, etc.). Metallic mercury is the only metal that is liquid at ambient temperature and normal pressure, which readily forms an amalgam with other metals. Therefore, mercury has long been used for refining various metals, and mercury amalgam has been used for dental treatment. Mercury has also been used in measuring instruments such as thermometers, barometers and blood pressure monitors, as well as electric appliances such as lighting equipment and dry batteries. Large amounts of metallic mercury are still used in other countries as a catalyst in the production of caustic soda by electrolysis. In addition, mercury compounds have been used in various chemicals such as mercurochrome, agricultural chemicals, and mildew-proofing agents. However, the use of mercury has also caused health problems for people. Minamata disease in Japan is a typical example. Also, since mercury is highly volatile, it is discharged as a product of industrial activities or derived from volcanoes, and it has been concluded on the basis of the findings of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) that it is circulating globally. Therefore, with the aim of establishing an internationally legally binding treaty for the regulation of mercury use to reduce risk, an intergovernmental negotiating committee was established in 2009. Japan actively contributed to this negotiation owing to its experience with Minamata disease, which led to the Convention on the regulation of mercury use being discharged as the "Minamata Convention on Mercury" and the treaty came into force on August 16, 2017. In this review, we introduce 1) the Global Mercury Assessment by UNEP; 2) mercury kinetics, exposure assessment and toxicity of different chemical forms; 3) large-scale epidemics of methylmercury poisoning; 4) methylmercury exposure assessment and health survey in whale-eating populations; 5) elemental mercury exposure assessment and health survey of mercury mine workers in China.
Topics: Animals; Environmental Exposure; Environmental Pollutants; Fishes; Global Health; Humans; Mercury Compounds; Mercury Poisoning, Nervous System; Methylmercury Compounds; Occupational Exposure; Risk Assessment
PubMed: 30270289
DOI: 10.1265/jjh.73.258 -
Journal of Environmental and Public... 2020This report synthesizes and evaluates published scientific literature on the environmental occurrence and biomagnification of mercury with emphasis on the San Francisco... (Review)
Review
This report synthesizes and evaluates published scientific literature on the environmental occurrence and biomagnification of mercury with emphasis on the San Francisco Bay Area (SFBA), California. Mercury forms various compounds, well known for their toxicity in humans and environmental ecosystems. Elemental mercury is transported and distributed by air, water, and sediments. Through the metabolic processes of algae and bacteria, mercury is converted into organic compounds, such as methylmercury (MeHg), which then bioaccumulates up through trophic levels. In fish, it is found primarily in skeletal muscle, while in humans, the primary target organs are the brain and kidneys. Health concerns exist regarding bioaccumulation of mercury in humans. This paper reviews the known anthropogenic sources of mercury contamination, including atmospheric deposition through aerial transport from coal burning power plants, cement production, and residual contaminants of mercury from gold mining, as well as mercury-containing waste from silver amalgams emitted from dental offices into waterways. Although tools exist for measuring mercury levels in hair, breast milk, urine, blood, and feces in humans, current diagnostic tools are inadequate in measuring total mercury load, including deposited mercury in tissues. Additionally, insufficient attention is being paid to potential synergistic impacts of mercury interaction with multipliers such as lead, cadmium, and aluminum. We provide specific data on methylmercury concentrations at different trophic levels, followed by recommendations for reducing the level of mercury in the SFBA in order to protect the health of humans and other species.
Topics: Animals; Ecosystem; Environmental Monitoring; Environmental Pollutants; Humans; Mercury; Mercury Poisoning; Metals, Heavy; Methylmercury Compounds; San Francisco
PubMed: 33014081
DOI: 10.1155/2020/8184614 -
Frontiers in Bioscience (Elite Edition) Jan 2018Mercury intoxication is a serious public health problem and a worldwide concern. The Minamata Convention on Mercury has been signed by 128 countries and endorsed by the... (Review)
Review
Mercury intoxication is a serious public health problem and a worldwide concern. The Minamata Convention on Mercury has been signed by 128 countries and endorsed by the World Health Organization with the recommendation of promoting the management of epidemiological information. The Central Nervous System is the main target organ for mercury. Symptoms of intoxication include altered motor coordination, visual and tactile dysfunction and paralysis, caused by neurodegeneration with a key role for oxidative damage. Recently, some studies have demonstrated a correlation between mercury intoxication and isoforms of apolipoprotein E (ApoE). In this review, epidemiological data and hypotheses about the possible molecular mechanisms underlying the association between ApoE and mercury intoxication are assessed. Based on the evidence and the neuropathological changes that the presence of ApoE4 and mercury neurotoxicity have in common, we propose a convergent action of both factors. ApoE4 seems to potentiate the damage caused by mercury. Increased knowledge of this interaction using epidemiological and pre-clinical studies is essential to improve prevention strategies to adequately manage intoxicated patients.
Topics: Apolipoproteins E; Humans; Mercury Poisoning; Neurodegenerative Diseases
PubMed: 28930615
DOI: 10.2741/e819 -
ACS Chemical Neuroscience Jun 2022Mercury is ubiquitous in the environment, with rising levels due to pollution and climate change being a current global concern. Many mercury compounds are notorious for...
Mercury is ubiquitous in the environment, with rising levels due to pollution and climate change being a current global concern. Many mercury compounds are notorious for their toxicity, with the potential of organometallic mercury compounds for devastating effects on the structures and functions of the central nervous system being of particular concern. Chronic exposure of human populations to low levels of methylmercury compounds occurs through consumption of fish and other seafood, although the health consequences, if any, from this exposure remain controversial. We have used high energy resolution fluorescence detected X-ray absorption spectroscopy to determine the speciation of mercury and selenium in human brain tissue. We show that the molecular fate of mercury differs dramatically between individuals who suffered acute organometallic mercury exposure (poisoning) and individuals with chronic low-level exposure from a diet rich in marine fish. For long-term low-level methylmercury exposure from fish consumption, mercury speciation in brain tissue shows methylmercury coordinated to an aliphatic thiolate, resembling the coordination environment observed in marine fish. In marked contrast, for short-term high-level exposure, we observe the presence of biologically less available mercuric selenide deposits, confirmed by X-ray fluorescence imaging, as well as mercury(II)-bis-thiolate complexes, which may be signatures of severe poisoning in humans. These differences between low-level and high-level exposures challenge the relevance of studies involving acute exposure as a proxy for low-level chronic exposure.
Topics: Animals; Brain; Fishes; Food Contamination; Humans; Mercury; Mercury Compounds; Methylmercury Compounds
PubMed: 35543423
DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.2c00166 -
Practical Neurology May 2024A 64-year-old man had progressive unsteadiness over several years, with tingling in his feet. He was a longstanding bodybuilding enthusiast. Clinical assessment and...
A 64-year-old man had progressive unsteadiness over several years, with tingling in his feet. He was a longstanding bodybuilding enthusiast. Clinical assessment and neurophysiology confirmed a cerebellar ataxia and axonal peripheral neuropathy. His serum mercury concentration was significantly raised. We diagnosed chronic mercury toxicity secondary to excessive tuna consumption. We advised him to stop eating tuna and prescribed dimercaptosuccinic acid, after which his serum mercury concentrations subsequently fell. This case report highlights the importance of considering dietary and nutritional causes of neurological disease. We also discuss the mechanisms, diagnosis and treatment of mercury toxicity.
Topics: Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Mercury Poisoning; Mercury; Weight Lifting
PubMed: 38253381
DOI: 10.1136/pn-2023-003827 -
Bosnian Journal of Basic Medical... Jun 2021Mercury is a toxic substance that is commonly used in skin lightening products. Various effects on humans have been observed, which affect both users and non-users. Many... (Review)
Review
Mercury is a toxic substance that is commonly used in skin lightening products. Various effects on humans have been observed, which affect both users and non-users. Many studies reported delayed diagnosis and treatment, even after weeks of hospitalization. The possible reasons are non-specific clinical manifestation and lack of awareness and knowledge regarding chronic mercury intoxication secondary to skin lightening products. A thorough history of mercury exposure is crucial. Physical assessment and relevant supporting tests are indicated to establish a diagnosis. Blood and urine mercury levels are an essential examination for diagnosis and monitoring of the progress and response to treatment. The primary treatment is the discontinuation of the skin lightening products. Chelation therapy is not mandatory and is usually indicated for symptomatic patients. The prognosis depends on the duration of the product use, concentration of mercury in the skin product, and the severity of clinical presentation.
Topics: Algorithms; Chelation Therapy; Cosmetics; Humans; Mercury Poisoning; Skin Pigmentation
PubMed: 32415819
DOI: 10.17305/bjbms.2020.4759 -
Advances in Neurobiology 2017Metals are a component of a variety of ecosystems and organisms. They can generally be divided into essential and nonessential metals. The essential metals are involved... (Review)
Review
Metals are a component of a variety of ecosystems and organisms. They can generally be divided into essential and nonessential metals. The essential metals are involved in physiological processes once the deficiency of these metals has been associated with diseases. Although iron, manganese, copper, and zinc are important for life, it has been evidenced that they are also involved in neuronal damage in many neurodegenerative disorders. Nonessential metals, which are metals without physiological functions, are present in trace or higher levels in living organisms. Occupational, environmental, or deliberate exposures to lead, mercury, aluminum, and cadmium are clearly correlated with the increase of toxicity and varied kinds of pathological situations. Actually, the field of neurotoxicology needs to satisfy two opposing demands: the testing of a growing list of chemicals and resource limitations and ethical concerns associated with testing using traditional mammalian species. Toxicological assays using alternative animal models may relieve some of this pressure by allowing testing of more compounds while reducing expenses and using fewer mammals. The nervous system is by far the more complex system in C. elegans. Almost a third of their cells are neurons (302 neurons versus 959 cells in adult hermaphrodite). It initially underwent extensive development as a model organism in order to study the nervous system, and its neuronal lineage and the complete wiring diagram of its nervous system are stereotyped and fully described. The neurotransmission systems are phylogenetically conserved from nematodes to vertebrates, which allows for findings from C. elegans to be extrapolated and further confirmed in vertebrate systems. Different strains of C. elegans offer a new perspective on neurodegenerative processes. Some genes have been found to be related to neurodegeneration induced by metals. Studying these interactions may be an effective tool to slow neuronal loss and deterioration.
Topics: Aluminum; Animals; Cadmium Poisoning; Caenorhabditis elegans; Disease Models, Animal; Heavy Metal Poisoning, Nervous System; Iron; Lead Poisoning, Nervous System; Manganese Poisoning; Mercury Poisoning, Nervous System; Metal Nanoparticles; Neurodegenerative Diseases; Neurotoxicity Syndromes; Zinc
PubMed: 28889277
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-60189-2_18