Objective: To investigate the appropriateness of mercury (Hg) concentrations in fingernails and toenails at parturition for detecting prenatal exposure to methylmercury (MeHg).
Methods: Total Hg concentrations were measured in 54 paired samples of fingernails, toenails, maternal blood, and maternal hair (1cm incremental segments from the scalp toward the tip) collected at 4th weeks of (early) pregnancy, and the same specimens and cord blood collected at parturition.
Results: Strong correlations were observed between Hg concentrations in fingernails and toenails at early pregnancy (r=0.923, p<0.01) and at parturition (r=0.895, p<0.01). At early pregnancy, Hg concentrations in fingernails and toenails showed the strongest correlations with those in hair 3-4 cm from the scalp (r=0.818 and r=0.747, p<0.01, respectively) among the 1cm incremental hair segments. Mercury concentrations in fingernails and toenails at parturition represented strong correlations with those in cord blood (r=0.803, p<0.01 for fingernails and r=0.792, p<0.01 for toenails, respectively). At parturition, Hg concentrations in fingernails had the highest correlation with those in hair 0-1cm from the scalp (r=0.918, p<0.01), and Hg concentrations in toenails showed the highest correlation with those in hair at 2-3 cm from the scalp (r=0.872, p<0.01). In addition, Hg concentrations in both finger and toe nails at parturition had equally high (p<0.01) correlation coefficients with hair segments at 0-1, 1-2, and 2-3 cm from the scalp.
Conclusions: Mercury in fingernails and toenails at early pregnancy reflected the maternal Hg body burden level approximately 5 months retroactively. At parturition, Hg levels in fingernails and toenails also showed strong correlations with those in cord blood. In addition, Hg levels in fingernails and toenails at parturition reflected more recent MeHg exposure, compared with those at early pregnancy. These results suggest that fingernails and toenails at parturition are useful biomarkers for prenatal MeHg exposure for mothers and fetuses, especially during the third-trimester of gestation.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
|---|---|
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2014.09.034 | DOI Listing |
Publication Analysis
Top Keywords
Similar Publications
Isolation and Identification of Mercury-Dissolved Organic Matter Complexes in Mercury-Humic Acid Suspensions.
Rapid Commun Mass Spectrom
April 2025
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, USA.
Rationale: The complexation with dissolved organic matter (DOM) is a pivotal factor influencing transformations, transport, and bioavailability of mercury (Hg) in aquatic environments. However, identifying these complexes poses a significant challenge because of their low concentrations and the presence of coexisting ions.
Methods: In this study, mercury-dissolved organic matter (Hg-DOM) complexes were isolated through solid-phase extraction (SPE) from Hg-humic acid suspensions, and complexes were putatively identified using ultrahigh resolution Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FTICR-MS).
A paradigm shift for evaluating natural attenuation of radioactive iodine in soils and sediments: Species-specific mechanisms and pathways.
J Environ Manage
January 2025
Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, Aiken, SC 29802, USA. Electronic address:
The primary approach to assessing monitored natural attenuation (MNA) is currently based on a conceptual model utilizing the total contaminant concentrations, assuming a single aqueous species. However, many contaminants, such as metals and radionuclide - including iodine, can exist in multiple species that behave chemically differently in the environment and can exist simultaneously. For example, radioiodine often occurs concurrently as three major aqueous species: iodide (I), iodate (IO), and organo-I, which undergo distinct attenuation pathways and exhibit markedly different mobility and geochemical behavior.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFInteractions between contaminants and the trophic ecology of two seabirds in a coastal lagoon of the Gulf of California.
Ecotoxicology
January 2025
Unidad Académica Mazatlán, Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mazatlán, Sinaloa, México.
Monitoring the dynamics of contaminants in ecosystems helps understand their potential effects. Seabirds have been used as biomonitors of marine ecosystems for this purpose. However, exposure and vulnerability to pollutants are understudied in tropical species, and the relationships between various pollutants and the trophic ecology of seabirds are poorly understood.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMercury exposure in an endangered songbird: influence of marsh hydrology and evidence for early breeding impairment.
Ecotoxicology
January 2025
Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
Songbird reproductive success can decline from consuming mercury-contaminated aquatic insects, but assessments of hydrologic conditions influencing songbird mercury exposure are lacking. We monitored breast feather total mercury (THg) concentrations and reproductive success in the U.S.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFRe-thinking the link between exposure to mercury and blood pressure.
Arch Toxicol
January 2025
Chemical and Environmental Toxicology Program, Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, 30 Marie Curie, Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5, Canada.
Hypertension or high blood pressure (BP) is a prevalent and manageable chronic condition which is a significant contributor to the total global disease burden. Environmental chemicals, including mercury (Hg), may contribute to hypertension onset and development. Hg is a global health concern, listed by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a top ten chemical of public health concern.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWant AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!