Concomitant exposure to methylmercury and lead in rats: distribution in the body, evaluation of genotoxicity and oxidative stress parameters, and possible protective effect of the fruit maná cubiu (Solanum sessiliflorum Dunal)

• Grant number: 13/05560-4
• Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Effective date (Start): August 01, 2013
• Effective date (End): October 16, 2014
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Pharmacy - Toxicological Analysis
• Principal researcher: Fernando Barbosa Júnior
• Grantee: Eloisa Silva de Paula
• Home Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto (FCFRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The evaluation of toxicity due to concurrent exposure to more than one chemical element is a relatively novel and challenging topic, since most of the toxicological studies have focused on the effects of a single chemical agent. In Brazil, in the Amazon region, the local population is exposed simultaneously and chronically to two toxic elements (Hg and Pb) primary through the ingestion of fish containing methylHg and manioc flour contaminated with Pb. Manioc flour and fish are staple food in the region and it is therefore not possible to propose that they are no longer eaten. The recommendation of a concomitant intake of other foods, such as native fruits which contain several nutrients with protective activity against the toxic effects is a relevant alternative. The maná-cubiu (Solanum sessiliflorum Dunal), a native fruit in the region, is very nutritious being used in the treatment of anemia and for controlling cholesterol levels, uric acid and glucose. Hence, this study seeks to evaluate the toxic effects in rats resulting from an oral and chronic co-exposure to MeHg and Pb at low doses, considering different biomarkers. Furthermore, the study also aims to assess the possible protective effect of the pulp of the fruit maná-cubiu regarding MeHg and Pb co-exposure. (AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

DE PAULA, ELOISA SILVA; HORNOS CARNEIRO, MARIA FERNANDA; GROTTO, DENISE; HERNANDES, LIVIA CRISTINA; GREGGI ANTUNES, LUSANIA MARIA; BARBOSA, JR., FERNANDO. Protective effects of niacin against methylmercury-induced genotoxicity and alterations in antioxidant status in rats. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH-PART A-CURRENT ISSUES, v. 79, n. 4, p. 174-183, FEB 16 2016. Web of Science Citations: 7.

DA SILVA, RAQUEL FRENEDOSO; MISSASSI, GABRIELA; BORGES, CIBELE DOS SANTOS; DE PAULA, ELOISA SILVA; HORNOS CARNEIRO, MARIA FERNANDA; GROTTO, DENISE; BARBOSA JUNIOR, FERNANDO; KEMPINAS, ANDWILMA DE GRAVA. Phytoremediation Potential of Mana-Cubiu (Solanum sessiliflorum Dunal) for the Deleterious Effects of Methylmercury on the Reproductive System of Rats. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL, 2014. Web of Science Citations: 1.

Academic Publications

(References retrieved automatically from State of São Paulo Research Institutions)

PAULA, Eloisa Silva de. Evaluation of toxic effects of chronic exposure at low doses of lead and methylmercury, associated or not, and the possible protective effect of niacin on this exposure. 2016. Doctoral Thesis - Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto Ribeirão Preto.