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Chronic low-level mercury exposure, BDNF polymorphism, and associations with cognitive and motor function
Diana Echeverria1, James S Woods, Nicholas J Heyer
1Battelle Centers for Public Health Research and Evaluation, Seattle, WA 98109, USA. echeverr@battelle.org
Neurotoxicology and Teratology
|November 23, 2005
Summary
Occupational mercury exposure negatively impacts cognitive and motor skills, especially in individuals with a specific brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene variant. These effects were observed even at general population exposure levels.
Area of Science:
- Neurotoxicology
- Occupational Health
- Genetics
Background:
- Elemental mercury (Hg(0)) exposure is a concern in occupational settings like dentistry.
- Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) Val66Met polymorphism may influence neurotoxicity.
- Understanding these interactions is crucial for public health and occupational safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cognitive and motor effects of elemental mercury (Hg(0)) exposure.
- To examine the role of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) Val66Met polymorphism in mercury's neurotoxicity.
- To assess potential additive or joint effects between mercury exposure and BDNF status.
Main Methods:
- Studied 194 male dentists and 233 female dental assistants with occupational mercury exposure.
- Measured acute exposure via urinary mercury concentrations (HgU) and chronic exposure via years of work.
- Assessed cognitive and motor functions using standardized tests and analyzed BDNF Val66Met polymorphism status.
Main Results:
- Higher urinary mercury (HgU) levels correlated with adverse effects on multiple cognitive and motor measures in both dentists and dental assistants.
- The BDNF Val66Met polymorphism was associated with some cognitive and motor deficits independently.
- Additive joint effects between HgU and BDNF status were observed for specific motor functions (e.g., Finger Tapping, Hand Steadiness).
Conclusions:
- Occupational mercury exposure is linked to significant cognitive and motor impairments.
- The BDNF Val66Met polymorphism may identify individuals more vulnerable to mercury's neurotoxic effects.
- Findings are relevant to general population exposure levels and highlight the need for protective measures.
