Evaluation of mercury and lead metabolism and toxicity related polymorphisms in riverside communities exposed to the metals, in Amazonian region

Abstract

Mercury (Hg) and lead (Pb) are toxic metals in the environment, causing many adverse health effects. Their metabolisms are slow through the system dependent on glutathione (GSH). Genetic polymorphisms of these enzymes are related to differences between the retention of metals and consequently their toxicity. Thus, the basic hypothesis to be examined in this project is that genetic polymorphisms related to detoxification of Hg and Pb may influence the process of elimination and toxicity of methylmercury (MeHg) and Pb in subjects environmentally exposed to metals. In a first step, we aim to evaluate the environmental effects of MeH and Pb exposure, via consumption of fish and manioc flour contaminated, respectively, in riverside communities of the Tapajós River, Pará, by determining the levels Hg and Pb present in this population as well as the effects of the impact of genetic polymorphisms on the concentrations of metals. For this, blood samples are collected hair and these individuals will be determined and the levels of Pb and Hg total, through the use of an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. Subsequently, will take place polymorphism genotyping using the technique of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with the genomic DNA extracted from the blood of volunteers, and through multivariate statistical analysis will be performed to evaluate the possible influence that these genetic variants may exert on the process of detoxification and toxicity of MeHg and Pb Therefore, the results that will be obtained in this study will bring relevant information on environmental exposure and its consequences to human health, the possible influence of polymorphisms of these genes on the concentrations of these metals in individuals and also be shown different toxicological effects between genetic variation in the population and co-exposure to MeHg and Pb. (AU)