Abstract
Beside partial coverage in three reviews so far (1994, 2009, 2019), there is no review on genotoxic studies dealing with mercury (Hg) and human exposure using the most usual genotoxic assays: sister chromatid exchanges (SCE), chromosomal aberrations (CA), cytochalasin B blocked micronucleus assay (CBMN), and single-cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE or alkaline comet assay). Fifty years from the first Hg genotoxicity study and with the Minamata Convention in force, the genotoxic potential of Hg and its derivatives is still controversial. Considering these antecedents, we present this first systematic literature overview of genotoxic studies dealing with Hg and human exposure that used the standard genotoxic assays. To date, there is not sufficient evidence for Hg human carcinogen classification, so the new data collections can be of great help. A review was made of the studies available (those published before the end of October 2021 on PubMed or Web of Science in English or Spanish language) in the scientific literature dealing with genotoxic assays and human sample exposure ex vivo, in vivo, and in vitro. Results from a total of 66 articles selected are presented. Organic (o)Hg compounds were more toxic than inorganic and/or elemental ones, without ruling out that all represent a risk. The most studied inorganic (i)Hg compounds in populations exposed accidentally, occupationally, or iatrogenically, and/or in human cells, were Hg chloride and Hg nitrate and of the organic compounds, were methylmercury, thimerosal, methylmercury chloride, phenylmercuric acetate, and methylmercury hydroxide.
Highlights
Mercury (Hg) is a highly dangerous environmental pollutant, and many studies have evaluated the activity of Hg compounds in different test systems with a wide variety of biomarkers
IHg does not cross the placental or blood-brain barriers; it can be found in the brain of neonates, due to the absence of a fully formed blood-brain barrier [27]
The results showed that amalgams can induce genetic damage by increasing MN frequency and marginally by the damage detected through the comet assay
Summary
Mercury (Hg) is a highly dangerous environmental pollutant, and many studies have evaluated the activity of Hg compounds in different test systems with a wide variety of biomarkers. One that is striking is its possible genotoxic effect in human populations, even at low concentrations [1–6]. Some studies recognized mutagenic and teratogenic effects and reported that it can induce cancer, with very scarce and controversial information about the mechanisms by which it induces such effects [7,8]. Hg can be found in air, water, and soil. Environmental Hg pollution is caused by natural phenomena (erosion, volcanic eruptions) and anthropogenic activities (metal smelting, industrial production). Due to the consumption of Hg-contaminated food, diverse populations have faced Hg-induced catastrophic diseases and mortality events [8]
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