Low-Level Methylmercury Exposure Causes Human T-Cells to Undergo Apoptosis: Evidence of Mitochondrial Dysfunction

Shenker, Bruce J.; Guo, Tai L.; Shapiro, Irving M.

doi:10.1006/enrs.1997.3816

Cited by 142 publications

(75 citation statements)

References 51 publications

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“…Similar effects have been observed with methyl mercury and other inorganic mercury compounds. [25][26][27] Mitochondria are organelles with two well-defined compartments: the matrix, surrounded by the inner membrane (IM) and the intermembrane space, surrounded by the outer membrane (OM). The IM contains various molecules, including ATP synthase, electron transport chain, and adenine nucleotide translocator.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Biochemical and molecular basis of thimerosal-induced apoptosis in T cells: a major role of mitochondrial pathway

et al. 2002

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The major source of thimerosal (ethyl mercury thiosalicylate) . Thimerosal and not thiosalcylic acid (nonmercury component of thimerosal), in a concentration-dependent manner, induced apoptosis in T cells as determined by TUNEL and propidium iodide assays, suggesting a role of mercury in T cell apoptosis. Apoptosis was associated with depolarization of mitochondrial membrane, release of cytochrome c and apoptosis inducing factor (AIF) from the mitochondria, and activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3, but not of caspase-8. In addition, thimerosal in a concentrationdependent manner inhibited the expression of XIAP, cIAP-1 but did not influence cIAP-2 expression. Furthermore, thimerosal enhanced intracellular reactive oxygen species and reduced intracellular glutathione (GSH). Finally, exogenous glutathione protected T cells from thimerosal-induced apoptosis by upregulation of XIAP and cIAP1 and by inhibiting activation of both caspase-9 and caspase-3. These data suggest that thimerosal induces apoptosis in T cells via mitochondrial pathway by inducing oxidative stress and depletion of GSH.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Organic Hg compounds have been shown to induce ROS [24][25][26][27] and ROS are considered as biochemical mediators of apoptosis. 28 Therefore, we examined whether thimerosal would also increase ROS levels in T cells.…”

Section: Thimerosal Increases Intracellular Levels Of Reactive Oxygenmentioning

confidence: 99%

Biochemical and molecular basis of thimerosal-induced apoptosis in T cells: a major role of mitochondrial pathway

et al. 2002

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“…Organic mercury compounds are most toxic in the CNS, though the kidneys and immune system may also be affected. 3,4,25 Generally, methylmercury and ethylmercury are more toxic than phenylmercury, because they are metabolized more slowly in vivo. Signs of toxicity from acute exposure progress from paresthesias and ataxia to generalized weakness, visual and hearing impairment, and tremor and muscle spasticity to coma and death.…”

Section: Toxicitymentioning

confidence: 99%

Technical Report: Mercury in the Environment: Implications for Pediatricians

Goldman¹,

Shannon²

2001

Pediatrics

221

119

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ABSTRACT. Mercury is a ubiquitous environmental toxin that causes a wide range of adverse health effects in humans. Three forms of mercury (elemental, inorganic, and organic) exist, and each has its own profile of toxicity. Exposure to mercury typically occurs by inhalation or ingestion. Readily absorbed after its inhalation, mercury can be an indoor air pollutant, for example, after spills of elemental mercury in the home; however, industry emissions with resulting ambient air pollution remain the most important source of inhaled mercury. Because fresh-water and ocean fish may contain large amounts of mercury, children and pregnant women can have significant exposure if they consume excessive amounts of fish. The developing fetus and young children are thought to be disproportionately affected by mercury exposure, because many aspects of development, particularly brain maturation, can be disturbed by the presence of mercury. Minimizing mercury exposure is, therefore, essential to optimal child health. This review provides pediatricians with current information on mercury, including environmental sources, toxicity, and treatment and prevention of mercury exposure.

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“…The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) points of contact for such local advisories include: The major toxicity of organic mercury compounds is expressed in the central nervous system, though the kidneys and the immune system also may be affected. 9,10,12 Organic mercury readily crosses the placenta and blood-brain barrier. When fish taken from waters heavily contaminated with methyl mercury have been ingested during pregnancy, severe developmental and neurologic impairment have occurred in children exposed in utero.…”

Section: Mercury Exposure and Toxicitymentioning

confidence: 99%

Thimerosal in Vaccines—An Interim Report to Clinicians

1999

Pediatrics

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Low-Level Methylmercury Exposure Causes Human T-Cells to Undergo Apoptosis: Evidence of Mitochondrial Dysfunction

Cited by 142 publications

References 51 publications

Biochemical and molecular basis of thimerosal-induced apoptosis in T cells: a major role of mitochondrial pathway

Biochemical and molecular basis of thimerosal-induced apoptosis in T cells: a major role of mitochondrial pathway

Technical Report: Mercury in the Environment: Implications for Pediatricians

Thimerosal in Vaccines—An Interim Report to Clinicians

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