Modulation of trichloroethylene in vitro metabolism by different drugs in rats.

Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a widely used chemical to which humans are frequently exposed. Toxicological interactions with drugs are among factors having the potential to modulate the toxicity of TCE. The aim of this study was to identify metabolic interactions between TCE and 14 widely used drugs in rat suspended hepatocytes and characterize the strongest using microsomal assays (oxidation and/or glucuronidation).

Mercury distribution and exchanges between the Amazon River and connected floodplain lakes.

This work presents the distribution and the partition of mercury (Hg) in the Curuai floodplain lakes along the Amazon River. The maximum Total Filtered Hg (T-FHg) concentrations in the floodplain lakes (28 to 52 pmol L(-1)) coincide with the maximum T-FHg concentrations of the Amazon River and are measured during the flooding period. The lowest T-FHg values (3 to 5 pmol L(-1)) are observed during the flood peak of the mainstream, during the rainy season, when waters are diluted by the local rainfall.

Biomarkers of selenium status in the Amazonian context: blood, urine and sequential hair segments.

Selenium (Se) is an essential element and deficit or excess of dietary Se is associated with health disorders. Relatively elevated Se levels have been reported in the Brazilian Amazon, where there are also important annual variations in the availability of different foods. The present study was conducted among six riparian communities of the Tapajós River to evaluate seasonal variations in blood and sequential hair cm Se concentrations, and to examine the relationships between Se in blood and hair, and blood and urine.

New evidence on the effects of tea on mercury metabolism in humans.

The authors present the results of an experiment in which they explored the role of tea in human metabolic processing of methylmercury (MeHg) from fish consumption. The experiment involved 50 scientists from the Collaborative Mercury Research Network (COMERN) who agreed to eat fish for 2 daily meals for 3 consecutive days. Half of the participants also drank 6 cups of tea daily, starting a week before and continuing through the experiment.