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09:33
An Anaerobic Biosensor Assay for the Detection of Mercury and Cadmium
Published on: December 17, 2018
Mercury and the kidney
1Concord Hospital, Concord, New South Wales, Australia. crpaxg@yahoo.com.au
Journal of Nephrology
|May 27, 2011
Summary
Mercury, historically used for various ailments, significantly impacted kidney health, leading to its phased removal from therapeutics due to renal complications. This highlights mercury
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- History of Medicine
- Toxicology
Background:
- Longstanding human use of mercury spans centuries, with diverse applications.
- Historical Arabic medicine utilized mercury for treating skin infections, urinary issues, and stones.
- Mercury was a primary treatment for syphilis in Europe from the 16th century until the mid-20th century.
Observation:
- Mercurial diuretics emerged from clinical observations in syphilis patients.
- These diuretics were widely used in the early 20th century.
- Safer, more effective non-mercurial diuretics eventually superseded them.
Findings:
- Mercury's therapeutic use carried significant risks, including acute kidney injury.
- Chronic renal impairment and nephrotic syndrome were recognized complications.
- Progressive understanding of mercury's nephrotoxicity led to its discontinuation in medicine.
Implications:
- The historical use and subsequent withdrawal of mercury underscore the importance of drug safety and efficacy.
- Understanding mercury's renal effects advanced nephrology.
- Mercury's role in medical instrumentation (thermometers, etc.) is a notable, albeit indirect, contribution to medical practice.
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