Mercury and motor neuron disease: Hooked on a hypothesis

Ho, Doreen; Russell, James A.

doi:10.1002/mus.26100

Cited by 2 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 34 publications

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“…There is concern among people with ALS (as judged by online comments) as to whether they should attempt to reduce their mercury intake by having their dental amalgam fillings removed, or whether they should limit their fish intake. Interest has been rekindled in the mercury hypothesis for ALS [22] with a report of increased toenail mercury in people with ALS, possibly related to seafood consumption [23]. In addition, occasional reports have suggested that removing dental amalgam fillings, or chelation therapy, can result in stabilization or recovery from some forms of ALS [24].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Comparison of Mercury Exposure from Seafood Consumption and Dental Amalgam Fillings in People with and without Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): An International Online Case-Control Study

Kullmann

Pamphlett

2018

IJERPH

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Exposures to toxic metals such as mercury have been suggested to be risk factors for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Human intake of mercury commonly occurs via consumption of seafood or from mercury-containing amalgam dental restorations (‘mercury fillings’). We therefore compared mercury exposures from these sources in 401 ALS and 452 non-ALS respondents, using an internationally-available online questionnaire that asked respondents how often they ate seafood and what their favourite types of seafoods were. Respondents were also asked to record numbers of current or former mercury fillings. ALS and non-ALS respondents did not differ in their frequency of seafood consumption or in monthly mercury intake from favourite seafoods. Both groups had similar numbers of current, as well as former, mercury fillings. In conclusion, this study found no evidence that mercury exposure from eating seafood, or from mercury dental fillings, was associated with the risk of developing ALS. Therefore, if mercury does play a role in the pathogenesis of ALS, other sources of exposure to mercury in the environment or workplace need to be considered. Alternatively, a susceptibility to mercury toxicity in ALS, such as genetic or epigenetic variations, multiple toxic metal interactions, or selenium deficiency, may be present.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Comparison of Mercury Exposure from Seafood Consumption and Dental Amalgam Fillings in People with and without Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): An International Online Case-Control Study

Kullmann

Pamphlett

2018

IJERPH

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“…HgCl 2 treatments decreased mitochondrial functionality, suggesting that nonessential metals compromise mitochondrial homeostasis and activity [69]. Moreover, the binding of MeHg to GSH is known to decrease the availability of this antioxidant, exposing cells to free-radical-mediated damage [70].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Personalized Prevention in Mercury-Induced Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Case Report

et al. 2020

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Chronic exposure to low levels of mercury is involved in the development of motor neuron diseases (MND). Genetic alterations may have a crucial role in the onset and progression. We presented a case of a TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1)-mutated 54-year-old male worker who developed a MND due to chronic mercury exposure at work. He was employed in a chlor-alkali plant in Central Italy. After two years of employment he had acute mercury intoxication with suggestive neurological symptoms and a high urinary level of the metal. Through years, many episodes of intoxication occurred, but he continued to perform the same job and be exposed to mercury. After yet another episode of intoxication in 2013, he showed fasciculations of the upper limbs and trunk, and electromyographic activity patterns were consistent with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In 2016, a genetic test revealed a mutation of TBK1, an ALS-related gene. This case highlights the important role of genetics in personalized occupational medicine. Occupational physicians should use genetic tests to identify conditions of individual susceptibility in workers with documented frequent episodes of mercury intoxication recorded during health surveillance programs to customize prevention measures in the workplace and act before damage appears.

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Mercury and motor neuron disease: Hooked on a hypothesis

Cited by 2 publications

References 34 publications

A Comparison of Mercury Exposure from Seafood Consumption and Dental Amalgam Fillings in People with and without Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): An International Online Case-Control Study

A Comparison of Mercury Exposure from Seafood Consumption and Dental Amalgam Fillings in People with and without Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): An International Online Case-Control Study

Personalized Prevention in Mercury-Induced Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Case Report

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