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Excretion of methyl mercury in human feces
1Research Centre for Occupational Disease, Tohoku Rosai Hospital, Sendai, Japan.
Abstract:
Fecal excretion of methyl mercury was confirmed in four Japanese male subjects. Perhaps the methyl mercury detected in feces is dependent on (a) the unabsorbed methyl mercury in diet, (b) exfoliation of intestinal cells, (c) hepatic bile, and (d) intestinal methylation of inorganic mercury. The calculated amounts of methyl mercury excreted daily in feces were similar to those found in urine.
Insights
Methyl mercury was found in the feces of four Japanese men. Its presence in stool may be linked to diet, intestinal cell shedding, bile, or mercury methylation within the intestines.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Toxicology
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Methyl mercury is a potent neurotoxin.
- Understanding mercury excretion pathways is crucial for public health.
- Previous studies have focused primarily on urinary mercury excretion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To confirm and quantify fecal methyl mercury excretion in human subjects.
- To explore potential sources and mechanisms of methyl mercury in feces.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of fecal samples from four Japanese male subjects.
- Quantification of methyl mercury in excreted feces.
Main Results:
- Methyl mercury was detected in the fecal samples of all subjects.
- Potential sources include unabsorbed dietary methyl mercury, intestinal cell exfoliation, hepatic bile, and intestinal methylation of inorganic mercury.
- Daily fecal methyl mercury excretion levels were comparable to urinary excretion levels.
Conclusions:
- Fecal excretion is a significant, previously underestimated, pathway for methyl mercury elimination in humans.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the precise contribution of each potential source to fecal methyl mercury.