A preliminary study of mercury exposure and blood pressure in the Brazilian Amazon

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Fish is considered protective for coronary heart disease (CHD), but mercury (Hg) intake from fish may counterbalance beneficial effects. Although neurotoxic effects of methylmercury (MeHg) are well established, cardiovascular effects...

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Main Authors: Guimarães Jean, Larribe Fabrice, Lemire Mélanie, Passos Carlos, Mergler Donna, Fillion Myriam
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2006-10-01
Series:Environmental Health
Online Access:http://www.ehjournal.net/content/5/1/29
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author Guimarães Jean
Larribe Fabrice
Lemire Mélanie
Passos Carlos
Mergler Donna
Fillion Myriam
author_facet Guimarães Jean
Larribe Fabrice
Lemire Mélanie
Passos Carlos
Mergler Donna
Fillion Myriam
author_sort Guimarães Jean
collection DOAJ
description <p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Fish is considered protective for coronary heart disease (CHD), but mercury (Hg) intake from fish may counterbalance beneficial effects. Although neurotoxic effects of methylmercury (MeHg) are well established, cardiovascular effects are still debated. The objective of the present study was to evaluate blood pressure in relation to Hg exposure and fish consumption among a non-indigenous fish-eating population in the Brazilian Amazon.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The study was conducted among 251 persons from six communities along the Tapajós River, a major tributary of the Amazon. Data was obtained for socio-demographic information, fish consumption, height and weight to determine body mass index (BMI), systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and Hg concentration in hair samples.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Results showed that overall, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, were relatively low (mean: 113.9 mmHg ± 14.6 and 73.7 mmHg ± 11.0). Blood pressure was significantly associated with hair total Hg (H-Hg), age, BMI and gender. No association was observed between fish consumption and blood pressure, although there were significant inter-community differences. Logistic regression analyses showed that the Odds Ratio (OR) for elevated systolic blood pressure (≥ 130 mmHg) with H-Hg ≥ 10 μg/g was 2.91 [1.26–7.28], taking into account age, BMI, smoking, gender and community.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The findings of this preliminary study add further support for Hg cardiovascular toxicity.</p>
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spelling doaj.art-3f84dc9da3ff432ba34a408b28c927602022-12-21T21:17:57ZengBMCEnvironmental Health1476-069X2006-10-01512910.1186/1476-069X-5-29A preliminary study of mercury exposure and blood pressure in the Brazilian AmazonGuimarães JeanLarribe FabriceLemire MélaniePassos CarlosMergler DonnaFillion Myriam<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Fish is considered protective for coronary heart disease (CHD), but mercury (Hg) intake from fish may counterbalance beneficial effects. Although neurotoxic effects of methylmercury (MeHg) are well established, cardiovascular effects are still debated. The objective of the present study was to evaluate blood pressure in relation to Hg exposure and fish consumption among a non-indigenous fish-eating population in the Brazilian Amazon.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The study was conducted among 251 persons from six communities along the Tapajós River, a major tributary of the Amazon. Data was obtained for socio-demographic information, fish consumption, height and weight to determine body mass index (BMI), systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and Hg concentration in hair samples.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Results showed that overall, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, were relatively low (mean: 113.9 mmHg ± 14.6 and 73.7 mmHg ± 11.0). Blood pressure was significantly associated with hair total Hg (H-Hg), age, BMI and gender. No association was observed between fish consumption and blood pressure, although there were significant inter-community differences. Logistic regression analyses showed that the Odds Ratio (OR) for elevated systolic blood pressure (≥ 130 mmHg) with H-Hg ≥ 10 μg/g was 2.91 [1.26–7.28], taking into account age, BMI, smoking, gender and community.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The findings of this preliminary study add further support for Hg cardiovascular toxicity.</p>http://www.ehjournal.net/content/5/1/29
spellingShingle Guimarães Jean
Larribe Fabrice
Lemire Mélanie
Passos Carlos
Mergler Donna
Fillion Myriam
A preliminary study of mercury exposure and blood pressure in the Brazilian Amazon
Environmental Health
title A preliminary study of mercury exposure and blood pressure in the Brazilian Amazon
title_full A preliminary study of mercury exposure and blood pressure in the Brazilian Amazon
title_fullStr A preliminary study of mercury exposure and blood pressure in the Brazilian Amazon
title_full_unstemmed A preliminary study of mercury exposure and blood pressure in the Brazilian Amazon
title_short A preliminary study of mercury exposure and blood pressure in the Brazilian Amazon
title_sort preliminary study of mercury exposure and blood pressure in the brazilian amazon
url http://www.ehjournal.net/content/5/1/29
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