Low-Level Environmental Mercury Exposure and Thyroid Cancer Risk Among Residents Living Near National Industrial Complexes in South Korea: A Population-Based Cohort Study

Kim, Seyoung; Song, Sanghwan; Lee, Chul-Woo; Kwon, Junhyun; Park, Eun Young; Oh, Jin-Kyoung; Kim, Hyun‐Jin; Park, Eun-Jung; Kim, Byungmi

doi:10.1089/thy.2022.0084

Cited by 5 publications

(10 citation statements)

References 51 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…A comprehensive search of the literature yielded nine relevant studies containing quantitative data linking mercury exposure to the risk of TC: five urine studies (Kim et al 2022 ; Liu et al 2021 ; Correia et al 2020 ; Zhang et al 2019 ; Malandrino et al 2016 ), three tissue studies (Zaichick 2022 ; Chung et al 2016 ; Zaichick et al 1995 ), one blood level study (Chung et al 2016 ), and one study using fingernail measurements (Zaichick 2022 ). In an epidemiological study of nearly 3 million individuals, there was approximately a 90% increased risk of TC in the exposed group (Malandrino et al 2016 ).…”

Section: Review/meta-analysis Results and Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In an epidemiological study of nearly 3 million individuals, there was approximately a 90% increased risk of TC in the exposed group (Malandrino et al 2016 ). Of the nine studies, seven found some level of association between increased mercury exposure and TC risk (Kim et al 2022 ; Zaichick 2022 ; Liu et al 2021 ; Correia et al 2020 ; Zhang et al 2019 ; Zidane et al 2019 ; Malandrino et al 2016 ), while two did not (Zidane et al 2019 ; Chung et al 2016 ). Among the five urine studies, three (Kim et al 2022 ; Liu et al 2021 ; Zhang et al 2019 ) compared mean urine mercury levels in TC cases and non-TC controls, and two examined the risk of TC in mercury-exposed versus non-exposed groups (Correia et al 2020 ; Malandrino et al 2016 ).…”

Section: Review/meta-analysis Results and Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…After finalizing the literature review, we identified 45 unique studies examining the role of environmental and dietary mercury in TC development and the carcinogenic mechanisms potentially influenced by mercury, which are also considered crucial for TC development. Of these, three were discussed again in our quantitative analysis (Kim et al 2022 ; Malandrino et al 2016 ; Zidane et al 2019 ). Revisions and supplementary searches were conducted as needed by a fourth investigator to ensure completeness.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 96%

“…Concerning TC specifically, Skalny et al's review included only three relevant studies, all of which failed to demonstrate an association between mercury and TC development (Skalny et al 2022 ); however, the opposite is true for several studies not included in the paper which have found an association between mercury exposure and TC risk (Kim et al 2022 ; Zaichick 2022 ; Correia et al 2020 ; Zhang et al 2019 ; Malandrino et al 2016 ). Furthermore, mercury has a proclivity to accumulate in thyroid tissue and affect thyroid hormone synthesis, which has known associations with TC development (Marotta et al 2020 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 3 more Smart Citations

Elucidating the link between thyroid cancer and mercury exposure: a review and meta-analysis

Webster,

Pinion,

Pineda

et al. 2024

Environ Sci Pollut Res

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Mercury (Hg) is a widely distributed and bioavailable metal of public health concern, with many known human toxicities, but data regarding mercury's influence on thyroid cancer (TC) is scarce. Mercury is known to impact several molecular pathways implicated in carcinogenesis, and its proclivity for bioaccumulation in the thyroid suggests a potential modulatory effect. We conducted a literature/systematic review of studies between 1995–2022 intending to define better and establish relationships between these two entities, congregate the evidence for mercury's potential role in thyroid carcinogenesis, and identify populations of interest for further study. Insufficient evidence precludes definitive conclusions on dietary mercury as a TC risk factor; however, several common mechanisms affected by mercury are crucial for TC development, including biochemical, endocrine, and reactive oxygen species effects. Quantitative analysis revealed associations between TC risk and mercury exposure. In three mercury studies, average urine levels were higher in TC patients, with a mean difference of 1.86 µg/g creatinine (95% CI = 0.32–3.41). In two studies investigating exposure to elevated mercury levels, the exposed group exhibited a higher risk of developing TC, with a relative risk of 1.90 (95% CI = 1.76–2.06). In three thyroid tissue studies, mercury levels (ppm) were higher in TC patients, averaging 0.14 (0.06–0.22) in cancerous cases (N = 178) and 0.08 (0.04–0.11) in normal thyroids (N = 257). Our findings suggest an association between mercury exposure and TC risk, implying a possible predisposing factor. Further research is necessary to reveal the clinical relevance of dietary and environmental mercury exposures in TC pathogenesis.

show abstract

Section: Review/meta-analysis Results and Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Review/meta-analysis Results and Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 96%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

Elucidating the link between thyroid cancer and mercury exposure: a review and meta-analysis

Webster,

Pinion,

Pineda

et al. 2024

Environ Sci Pollut Res

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Mercury is known to be a widespread environmental contaminant and one of the most toxic heavy metals detectable in the environment [ 1 ]. Even at low concentrations, mercury exposure can cause a variety of health problems [ 2 , 3 ]. It has been widely used in metallurgy, scientific measuring instruments (such as thermometers and barometers), dental amalgam fillers and other manufacturing activities, and can enter the human body in various ways, such as the atmosphere, soil, water and food [ 4 , 5 ], seriously threatening human health.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Subchronic Low-Dose Methylmercury Exposure Accelerated Cerebral Telomere Shortening in Relevant with Declined Urinary aMT6s Level in Rats

Tao

et al. 2023

Toxics

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Methylmercury (MeHg) is a global pollutant with established toxic effects on the central nervous system (CNS). However, early events and early-warning biomarkers of CNS damage following exposure to low-dose MeHg are still lacking. This study aimed to investigate whether subchronic low-dose MeHg exposure had adverse effects on the cerebral telomere length, as well as serum melatonin and its urinary metabolite 6-sulfatoxymelatonin (aMT6s) in rats. Sixteen male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into two groups. Group I was the control group. In group II, rats were exposed to MeHg by gavage at a dose of 0.1 mg/kg/day for 3 months. This study revealed that MeHg exposure resulted in impairment of learning and memory ability, a slightly reduced number of neurons and an irregular arrangement of neurons in the hippocampus. It also significantly accelerated telomere shortening in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus and hypothalamus. Moreover, MeHg exposure decreased the levels of melatonin in serum and aMT6s in urine, partly by suppressing the synthesis of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in the brain but promoted the expression of melatonin-catalyzing AANAT and ASMT. Importantly, cerebral telomere length was positively correlated with MT and aMT6s after MeHg exposure. These results suggested that the shortened telomere length in the brain may be an early event in MeHg-induced CNS toxicity, and the level of aMT6s in urine may serve as an early-warning biomarker for MeHg-induced CNS damage.

show abstract

Thyroid Response to Mercury: Varied Effects on Function and Structure - A Review of the Latest Research

Kubicka-Figiel,

Martyka,

Taborska

2024

J Educ Health Sport

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Introduction In the current era of burgeoning industry, our exposure to various detrimental environmental factors, including mercury, has become increasingly prevalent. Recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as one of the most significant threats to public health, mercury induces a multitude of harmful effects on the entire body. Our focus in this article will be directed towards examining the specific impact of mercury on the thyroid. Purpose of the study The purpose of the study was to review the latest literature on the effects of mercury on the thyroid gland. Materials and Methodology Literature selections of medical databases PubMed and Google Scholar from the last six years (2017-2023) were performed. Articles were searched in English using the following key words: mercury, thyroid. Results Research consistently confirms mercury accumulation in thyroid cells, increasing with age. Mercury exposure influences thyroid function, raising the risk of hormonal issues and potential thyroid cancer. It also interacts with other elements, compounding adverse effects on the thyroid. Conclusion Presently, there is a limited number of studies specifically addressing the effects of mercury on the human thyroid gland. Consequently, it is probable that the full spectrum of its impacts on the thyroid has not yet been thoroughly investigated. Further research is imperative to delve into this subject comprehensively. Additionally, there is an urgent call for initiatives aimed at enhancing public awareness regarding the sources of mercury in the environment and food, along with strategies to mitigate exposure to this harmful substance.

show abstract

Low-Level Environmental Mercury Exposure and Thyroid Cancer Risk Among Residents Living Near National Industrial Complexes in South Korea: A Population-Based Cohort Study

Cited by 5 publications

References 51 publications

Elucidating the link between thyroid cancer and mercury exposure: a review and meta-analysis

Elucidating the link between thyroid cancer and mercury exposure: a review and meta-analysis

Subchronic Low-Dose Methylmercury Exposure Accelerated Cerebral Telomere Shortening in Relevant with Declined Urinary aMT6s Level in Rats

Thyroid Response to Mercury: Varied Effects on Function and Structure - A Review of the Latest Research

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About