Epidemics of vascular toxicity and pulmonary hypertension: what can be learned?

Abstract

Abstract. Egermayer P (Canterbury RespiratoryResearchEpidemics of vascular disease caused by toxins and infectious agents affecting both humans and animals have been common in history. Examples of agents implicated include anorexients, ergotamine, mercury, arsenic, vinyl chloride, thorotrast, plant alkaloids, nitrites, toxic oil, tryptophan and bacterial, viral and parasitic infections. A major characteristic of these disorders is endothelial dysfunction, which may manifest itself in vasospastic disorders, sclerodermiform skin lesions, fibrosis, osteolytic lesions, polyneuropathy and portal and pulmonary hypertension. Angiosarcoma may also be a late outcome. These diseases are more common than is generally appreciated. The aetiology is usually multifactorial. This and other factors contribute to delayed recognition.

Modulation of Vasodilator Response via the Nitric Oxide Pathway after Acute Methyl Mercury Chloride Exposure in Rats

“…The role of mercury toxicity as a possible risk factor in cardiovascular disease has been discussed, and reports on the toxic effects of metals in several diseases among humans including the vascular diseases have been well documented [1–4]. The loss of endothelial function is one of the most commonly observed vascular effects of mercury exposure [5–9]. As has been widely reported, this endothelial dysfunction leads to a loss of endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation.…”

Mercury Activates Phospholipase A2and Induces Formation of Arachidonic Acid Metabolites in Vascular Endothelial Cells

“…Methylmercury has been shown to cause hypertension in rats (Wakita 1987). Mercury-induced vascular endothelial damage and vasculitis in humans upon autopsy have been documented (Egermayer 2000). Therefore, it is conceivable to hypothesize that mercury exerts its toxic effects on the vascular endothelium, which in turn may contribute to the mercury-induced cardiovascular diseases.…”

Natural plant products in treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension

“…(3) Experimental and clinical studies with large numbers of subjects are still insufficient to form treatment standards in the utilization of nature plant products. (4) Some plants are reported as showing toxicity in system and pulmonary vasculature, such as MCT, Ergotamine, 141 and pyrrolizidine alkaloids 142 contained in the Senecio and Crotalaria plants. 143 The multifunction of natural plant products should be considered carefully.…”