Impact of methylmercury (MeHg) exposure on genomic stability and biochemical parameters related to redox status, in individuals from Amazonian riverside communities chronically exposed to metal, via diet

• Grant number: 20/07488-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Effective date (Start): November 01, 2021
• Effective date (End): February 28, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Pharmacy - Toxicological Analysis
• Principal Investigator: Fernando Barbosa Júnior
• Grantee: Nathália de Assis Aguilar Duarte
• Host Institution: Instituto de Saúde e Sociedade (ISS). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus Baixada Santista. Santos , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 18/24069-3 - ReSEARCH: Recognizing Signatures of the Exposome to Anticipate the Risks for a Continuous Health, AP.TEM

Abstract

Epidemiological evidence has shown that Hg causes disturbances in the redox status, leading to oxidative and DNA damage. However, no studies have been conducted to evaluate the impact of metal exposure on the expression of genes associated with DNA damage signaling pathway as well as the possible influences of genetic polymorphisms of the DNA repair system on the genotoxicity induced by the metal. In this context, the aims of the present study are to evaluate impact of Hg exposure on redox status, on genomic stability, expression profile of genes related to DNA repair and the influence of genetic polymorphisms related to DNA repair system on this biologics markers, in Amazonian riverside communities exposed to the metal, via diet. Thus, metal concentrations (and its chemical species) will be determined in blood, plasma, urine and hair by LC-ICP-MS and several determinations and biochemical parameters related to the oxidative stress will be conducted by LC-MS/MS. The genomic stability will be evaluated by Buccal Micronucleus Cytome assay (BMNCyt) and comet assay (SCGE) in peripheric blood. Genes expressions of DNA repair system will be performed by qPCR and genotyping will be conducted by TaqMan assays. Thus, it is expected that the obtained results will assist for a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms related to the toxicity caused by the metal as well its interaction with genetics events. (AU)