Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 21, 2026

Inducing the Entry of Third Stage Dispersal Juveniles of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus into Cryptobiosis Through Osmotic Regulation
Published on: December 27, 2024
Oxidative Stress Levels Induced by Mercury Exposure in Amazon Juvenile Populations in Brazil
Leandro V B Carvalho1, Sandra S Hacon2, Claudia M Vega2,3
1Toxicology Laboratory, Center for Studies of Worker's Health and Human Ecology (CESTEH), National School of Public Health Sergio Arouca (ENSP), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Leopoldo Bulhões Street, 1480, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro-RJ, CEP 21041-210, Brazil. leandro.carvalho@ensp.fiocruz.br.
Abstract:
Oxidative stress can be induced by mercury (Hg) exposure, including through fish consumption (diet), leading to health risks. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between oxidative stress biomarkers and dietary Hg exposure levels in riverine children and adoluiaescents at Madeira River (RO/Brazil). Population from three riverine local communities presenting different fish consumption frequencies was sampled. Hg was determined in blood (ICP-MS) and glutathione (GSH); glutathione S-transferases (GST) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined in serum (spectrophotometry). Statistical analyses were performed using parametric and non-parametric tests. Multiple linear regression models and generalized additives models were also used to estimate the relationships between oxidative stress biomarkers and blood Hg. The juvenile riverine population from Cuniã RESEX presented the highest levels of oxidative stress and Hg levels in blood (GST = 27.2 (4.93) U/L, MDA = 1.69 (0.27) µmol/L, Hg = 20.6 (18.0) µg/L). This population also presented the highest frequency of fish consumption. The positive relation between Hg and GST and MDA, adjusted for individual characteristics, suggests an oxidative effect. This study shows the importance of oxidative stress biomarkers in the evaluation of dietary Hg exposure since initial and reversible metabolic changes were observed, enriching health risk assessments.
Related Concept Videos
Oxidation Numbers
Conservation of Small Populations
What is Population Genetics?
Population Growth
Pyruvate Oxidation
First, the enzyme pyruvate dehydrogenase removes the carboxyl group from pyruvate and releases it as carbon dioxide. The stripped molecule is then oxidized and releases electrons, which are then picked up by NAD+...
Levels of Organization
Molecules Are Composed of Atoms, and Biomolecules Are Assembled from Molecules:
The most basic levels include atoms, molecules, and biomolecules. Atoms, the smallest unit of ordinary matter, are composed of a nucleus and electrons. Molecules...

