Science News

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A comparison of mental health of multiple sclerosis patients with silver mercury dental fillings and those with fillings removed In this study, people with amalgam suffered more symptoms such as depression, anger, hostility, psychotism, and were more obsessive-compulsive than the patients with such fillings removed. These data suggested that the poorer mental health status exhibited by multiple sclerosis subjects with dental amalgam fillings may be associated with mercury toxicity from the amalgam.
A compilation of scientific studies on the various ways mercury may influence or exacerbate diabetes Mercury can potentially effect a number of factors in relation to diabetes. Mercury has been shown to destroy beta cells and bring about insulin resistance. In addition, mercury is known to cause inflammation and oxidative stress, thereby influencing or exacerbating diabetes.
A compilation of studies linking mercury exposure to color vision loss Over the last several decades a wide variety of studies have linked mercury exposure to various visual impairments, most notably color vision loss. Unfortunately the majority of these studies have been done overseas and mercury toxicity is not tested for when being evaluated for color vision loss.
A comprehensive overview of the connection between dental mercury fillings and antibiotic resistances Installing dental amalgams into monkeys resulted in a sharp increase in the proportion of their GI tract (oral and fecal) bacteria able to produce volatile Hg(0).  >80% of these mercury transforming bacteria were also resistant to several antibiotics because selection for the mercury transformation genes results in co-selection for whatever antibiotic resistances happen to be on the same plasmid; they are genetically linked.
A significant relationship between mercury exposure from dental amalgams and urinary porphyrins Researchers Dr. Mark and David Geier show how the data from the "children's amalgam trial" studies, originally published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, and purported to prove the safety of mercury amalgam, actually show a dose-dependent toxicity in a key metabolic system.
A systematic review of mercury ototoxicity All the articles analyzed here showed that mercury  exposure is ototoxic, inducing peripheral and/or central hearing loss. It is a consensus in the literature that acute and long-term exposure produces irreversible damage to the central auditory system. Measuring mercury levels with biomarkers was unable to predict the relationship between the degree of mercury poisoning and the degree of damage to the auditory system.
Amalgam removal and recovery from mercury toxicity presenting as chronic fatigue, memory loss and depression In a group of 465 patients diagnosed as having chronic mercury toxicity CMT, 32.3% had severe fatigue, 88.8% had memory loss, and 27.5% had depression. A significant correlation was found between CMT and the ApoE4. Removal of amalgam mercury fillings combined with appropriate treatment resulted in a significant symptom reduction to levels reported by healthy subjects.
Amalgam Risk Assessment finds 120 million Americans over daily safe dose of mercury from amalgam fillings. On December 14 and 15, 2010, the FDA convened a scientific panel to re-examine the issue of mercury exposure from amalgam dental fillings. Two private foundations, assisted by IAOMT, have commissioned G. Mark Richardson, PhD, of SNC Lavallin, Ottawa, Canada, formerly of Health Canada, to provide the scientific panel and FDA regulators with a formal risk assessment using the latest information from the scientific literature.
Amalgam Risk Assessment pt2 Excessive Concurrent Exposure to Pb, MeHg and Hg0 in US population. Mark Richardson, PhD, of SNC Lavallin, provided the scientific panel and FDA regulators with a formal risk assessment using the latest information from the scientific literature. Part 2 is titled CUMULATIVE RISK ASSESSMENT AND JOINT TOXICITY: MERCURY VAPOR, METHYL MERCURY AND LEAD.
Amalgams fillings release more mercury when exposed to peroxide bleaching agents Silver amalgam specimens treated with 10% carbamide peroxide bleaching agents produced a statistically significant increase in the quantity of Hg released after 15 days compared with the control group. Additional studies are needed to assess the impact of this increase. However, the authors recommend avoiding the indiscriminate exposure of silver amalgam restorations to carbamide peroxide bleaching agents.
An evaluation of dental amalgam and its ability to injure human health In the past 20 years I have concentrated my research on the effects of mercury toxicity on human health. Specifically, I have researched and evaluated the contributions of dental amalgam, biologics and vaccines on the human body burden of mercury and organic-mercury compounds and the potential effects of these compounds on specific enzymes and cells.
Apolipoprotein E genotyping as a potential biomarker for mercury neurotoxicity Apolipoprotein-E genotyping has been investigated as an indicator of susceptibility to heavy metal neurotoxicity. Moreover, apo-E4 is a major risk factor for neurodegenerative conditions, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). A theoretical biochemical basis for this risk factor is discussed.  Apo-E genotyping warrants investigation as a clinically useful biomarker for those at increased risk of neuropathology, including AD, when subjected to long-term mercury exposures.
Apolipoprotein E genotyping as a potential biomarker for mercury neurotoxicity The concept of accumulative micro-mercurial neurotoxicity with specific reference to dental amalgam, has been well documented and prolonged exposure to mercury has been associated with the unique lesions of the AD brain. Therefore, amalgam, as the largest source of mercury vapor in the general population, should be included in the differential diagnosis of patients being investigated for neuro-psychiatric problems and shortterm memory loss.
ATSDR - Toxicological Profile for Mercury - excerpts regarding health hazards from mercury fillings The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) toxicological profile succinctly characterizes the toxicologic and adverse health effects information for the hazardous substance described here. Each peer-reviewed profile identifies and reviews the key literature that describes a hazardous substance's toxicologic properties.
Background exposure to toxic metals in women adversely influences pregnancy during in vitro fertilization The aim of this study was to generate hypotheses concerning associations between background exposures and pregnancy. One µg/L increases in blood Hg are associated with decreases of 35% (P=0.03) and 33% (P=0.01) in clinical and biochemical pregnancies, respectively. These data suggest that low-level, background exposures to Hg and Cd may interfere with pregnancy following IVF.
Boyd Haley PhD explains the link between APOE-4 and Alzheimer's Disease Boyd Haley PhD explains why the apolipoprotein-4 (APOE-4) genotype represents a genetic susceptibility to mercury toxicity as a pathogenetic factor and a moderator of Alzheimer's Disease.
California EPA determines mercury safe level should be ten times lower than national EPA In 2008 California's Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment concluded a new risk assessment of mercury and adjusted its chronic mercury reference exposure levels down to 0.03 μg Hg/m3. This level is ten times lower than the outdated and flawed, 20 year old chronic mercury reference exposure levels of 0.3 μg Hg/m3 as set by the Environmental Protection Agency.
California EPA determines mercury safe level should be ten times lower than national EPA In 2008 California's Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment concluded a new risk assessment of mercury and adjusted its chronic mercury reference exposure levels down to 0.03 μg Hg/m3. This level is ten times lower than the outdated and flawed, 20 year old chronic mercury reference exposure levels of 0.3 μg Hg/m3 as set by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Can mercurys toxic effects exacerbate the medical condition classified as Alzheimers Disease ? Mercury (as Hg2+) exposure to neurons in culture has been shown to produce three of the widely accepted pathological diagnostic hallmarks of AD. These are elevated amyloid protein, hyper-phosphorylation of Tau, and formation of neurofibillary tangles. The hypothesis is that mercury and other blood-brain permeable toxicants that have enhanced specificity for thiol-sensitive enzymes are the etiological source of AD
Characterization of health complaints before and after removal of amalgam fillings - 3-year follow-up In a group of individuals with health complaints attributed to amalgam fillings the complaints were reduced after removal of the fillings. To which level the complaints were reduced varied for the different symptoms and the inter-ndividual variation of intensities of complaints was considerable. Several factors may be of importance for the observed reduction of complaint intensity.
Chris Shade P.h.D. of QuickSilver Scientific discusses synergistic toxicity Chris Shade of QuickSilver Scientific discusses the various aspects of synergistic toxicity.
Chronic inorganic mercury induced peripheral neuropathy A patient with inorganic mercury intoxication had developed a slowly progressive generalized paralysis of all limbs. Electrophysiologic studies revealed axonal polyneuropathy involving both motor and sensory fibers. Sural nerve biopsy demonstrated axonal degeneration with demyelination and a predominant loss of large myelinated fibers.
Chronic Mercury Poisoning: A Summary of the Science Chronic Mercury Poisoning A Brief Summary of the Science In summary, most chronic mercury poisoning must be assessed indirectly, based on symptoms and minor lab anomalies.  
Comprehensive overview of how mercury reproduces the major hallmarks of Alzheimer’s Disease Mercury has been linked to Alzheimer's disease by a number of different studies that have accumulated over the last two decades. Watch and listen to published scientists talk about how mercury can cause many of the hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease. This article was taken from the IAOMT's Petition For Reconsideration, which prompted the FDA to re-evaluate their 2009 ruling that amalgam was safe for everyone.
CPOX4 modifies mercury neurotoxicity in children The present studies demonstrate significant adverse effects on neurobehavioral functions associated with chronic Hg exposure and the CPOX4 genetic variant among children, with effects manifested predominantly among boys. These findings are the first to describe a genetic polymorphism that modifies the effects of Hg exposure on neurobehavioral functions in children, and suggest directions for future research to define mechanisms underlying differential sensitivity to mercury between boys and girls.
David Kennedy DDS and Studies Linking Mercury to Infertility David Kennedy DDS discusses a study by professor Ingrid Gerhard, where she examined more than 1000 patients for mercury toxicity and fertility problems. The high-mercury group had more hormonal disturbances, immune disturbances, recurringfungal infections, hair loss and allergies. The doctors successfully treated fertility problems with amalgam removal. Professor Gerhard states," mercury exposure leads to hormone and immune disturbances that can reduce fertility".
Dental mercury amalgam fillings associated with a deterioration of high-frequency auditory acuity Mercury has been shown to affect the auditory system at a wide range of levels, from the cochlea to the cortex.  In this study, we compared the number and surface area of different types of dental fillings with auditory thresholds. Having more amalgam fillings was associated with a deterioration of high-frequency auditory acuity (8 kHz and above). These results suggest a detrimental, dose-dependent effect of amalgams on hearing. There is also a likely duration-dependent effect.
Detoxification and antioxidant effects of curcumin in rats experimentally exposed to mercury Curcumin treatment was found to have a protective effect on mercury-induced oxidative stress parameters, namely, lipid peroxidation and glutathione levels and superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase activities in the liver, kidney and brain. Curcumin treatment was also effective for reversing mercury-induced serum biochemical changes, which are the markers of liver and kidney injury.
Does Inorganic Mercury (as from dental amalgam) Play a Role in Alzheimer’s Disease? Recently published in the Journal for Alzheimer's Disease was a study that performed a meta-analysis of 106 case-control or comparative cohort studies to associate mercury as a causative factor in Alzheimer's disease. Noting that the main source of mercury in the human body is dental amalgam (1 - 27 ug a day)
Dose and Hg species determine the T-helper cell activation in murine autoimmunity Inorganic mercury (mercuric chloride—HgCl2) induces in mice an autoimmune syndrome (HgIA). Hg may interact directly with fibrillarin/fibrillarin peptides causing a physically altered molecule which is immunogenic. Additionally, Hg-induced cell death (necrosis) might modify the cleavage pattern for fibrillarin, resulting in neo-peptides of fibrillarin which expose immunogenic epitopes to T cells.
Dr Rich Chanin DMD discusses galvanic currents and dental mercury amalgam, "silver" fillings Dr. Rich Chanin DMD, of the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology discusses galvanic currents and dental mercury amalgam, "silver" fillings. Accompanying article, “Dying for a Beautiful Smile”  on galvanic currents, by Kimberly Hall.
Dr. James Rota discusses the occurance of galvanic reactions generated by dental mercury amalgam fillings Dr. James Rota discusses the occurance of galvanic reactions (electrical current) generated by the combination of silver fillings / crowns, gold fillings / crowns with the mouth's saliva
Dr. Mark Hyman on the importance of Glutathione What's the most important molecule you've never heard of? In this week's UltraWellness blog, Dr. Mark Hyman gives you the lowdown on the "mother of all antioxidants" and tells you how you can boost it in your body -- naturally. To find out more, watch this video from Dr. Mark Hyman.
Effect of amalgam fillings on mercury levels in the colostrum of human milk Published in Environmental Monitoring and Assessment: The result of this study also showed a positive correlation of mercury milk levels with the number of amalgam teeth fillings of the mother. Estimated weekly intake of mercury of a breastfed infant was, in some cases, higher than provisional tolerance weekly intake recommended by FAO / WHO, which pose a threat to their health.
Effect of amalgam fillings on the mercury concentration in human amniotic fluid There is little information about Hg concentration in human amniotic fluid (AF) of pregnant women and its potential toxic effect on the fetuses. This study assessed the relationship between the presence of detectable mercury (Hg) concentration in human AF, number and surface areas of amalgam fillings of pregnant women; secondary to analyse their obstetric history and perinatal complications. The number and surface areas of amalgam fillings influenced positively Hg concentration in amniotic fluid.
Effect of mercury dental amalgam fillings on renal and oxidative stress biomarkers in children We examined the effect of mercury (Hg) associated with dental amalgam fillings on biomarkers of renal and oxidative stress in children between the ages of 5–15.5 years. Our data provide evidence that low exposure to Hg from dental amalgam fillings exerts an effect on kidney tubular functions in children. Oxidative stress may have played a role in this mechanism. The results of this study would also suggest that urinary NAG is the most sensitive of all the investigated renal biomarkers.
Effect of selenium on mercury vapour released from dental amalgams an in vitro study When the amalgam surfaces were brushed with the conventional toothpaste, an increase of the released vapour was noted. The use of the selenium containing toothpaste resulted in all cases, in significantly lower amounts of mercury vapour.
Endocrine disruptor & nutritional effects of heavy metals in ovarian hyperstimulation There is increasing concern that environmental chemicals have a direct effect on fertility. Heavy metals such as mercury have been shown to affect various organ systems in humans including nervous system and skin, however they could also act as endocrine disrupting chemicals adversely affecting fertility. Our results suggest that mercury may act as an endocrine disruptor with a deleterious effect on the ovarian response to gonadotrophin therapy
Endothelium Dysfunction and Toxic Heavy Metals The Endothelium is a single cell layer thick membrane that covers the entire circulatory and lymphatic systems in your body. Endothelial dysfunction is a hallmark for vascular diseases and a wide range circulatory ailments. One of the main causes of endothelial dysfunction is the presence and build up of toxic heavy metals including Mercury, Lead, Aluminum, Arsenic and Cadmium.
EPA: Mercury Study Report to Congress Outlines Health Effects of Mercury In 1997 The Environmental Protection Agency compiled the Mercury Study Report to Congress. This document covers the human health effects of mercury and mercury compounds. Upon reading the symptoms of mercury vapor-induced neurotoxicity and the toxicokinetics, it is apparent that mercury has great potential to mimmic symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
Evaluation of comparative effect of pre- and posttreatment of selenium on mercury-induced oxidative stress This study evaluated the effect of pre- or posttreatment of selenium in mercury intoxication. Exposure to mercury resulted in induced oxidative stress in liver, kidney, and brain tissues of rats.  Results indicate that pretreatment with selenium is beneficial in comparison to posttreatment in mercury intoxication. 
Evaluation of oral tissue response and blood levels of mercury released from dental amalgam in rats This study reveals that there is a positive correlation between blood mercury levels and oral tissue response in mother rats, however, the negative impact of mercury on oral tissues of offspring rats was due to high mercury levels in their mothers' blood during pregnancy. Further clinical studies are recommended to test our findings in man.  
Evidence that Mercury from Dental Amalgam May Cause Hearing Loss in Multiple Sclerosis Patients This study was undertaken to determine hearing sensitivity changes of MS subjects after the removal of silver dental fillings. Because of mercury’s known ability to damage hearing, before and after hearing tests were performed on the subjects. Because all frequencies showed an improvement after amalgam removal, it was concluded that (mercury induced) nerve damage was causing the hearing loss. 
Evidence that mercury from silver dental fillings may be an etiological factor in multiple sclerosis This paper investigates the hypothesis that mercury from silver dental fillings (amalgam) may be related to multiple sclerosis (MS). It compares blood findings between MS subjects who had their amalgams removed to MS subjects with amalgams. A health questionnaire found that MS subjects with amalgams had significantly more (33.7%) exacerbations during the past 12 months compared to the MS volunteers with amalgam removal.
Exposure of Dental Workers to Mercury Dentists and their assistants were surveyed for potential health hazards associated with mercury amalgam fillings. Data collected during this study demonstrated the almost complete unawareness of most dental assistants and of many dentists that mercury could be hazardous; consequently, precautionary measures were almost nonexistent.
Exposure to mercury among dental health workers in Turkey: Correlation with amalgam work and own fillings The purpose of this study is to investigate the current status of exposure to mercury (Hg) among dental health workers. The study used 115 people in 3 groups to compare the differences between dental health workers' mercury levels and non healthcare staffs' mercury levels to determine the influence of amalgam fillings on the overall body burden of mercury.
Findings of HHS Funded Report Preventing Alzheimer’s Disease and Cognitive Decline The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality under The Department of Health and Human Services used our tax dollars to have the Duke University, Evidence-based Practice Center (EPC) conduct research for a report "Preventing Alzheimer's Disease and Cognitive Decline". The group found only one study fitting their criteria linking mercury to Alzheimer's disease, although there is over 20 years worth of publish studies showing a relationship between mercury and Alzheimer's disease.
From the Inside: The FDA's stance on Mercury Allergy from Dental Amalgams Mike Fleming DDS, served on the FDA dental products panel in 2006 and 2010. In this video he comments on various aspects of the FDA's stance on dental mercury amalgam allergy, including the ADA's statment at the 2006 hearing that 6% of the population (over 7 million people) are allergic to mercury.
Gender differences for associations between circulating levels of metals and coronary risk in the elderly We investigated whether circulating levels of metals related differently to coronary risk in men and women. Hg, Pb and Zn levels were significantly higher in men. The most striking finding is that Hg levels were positively related to LDL and inversely to HDL, suggesting an important role of Hg in determining an atherogenic lipid profile.
Gender Differences in the Uptake of Inorganic Mercury by Motor Neurons Gender differences have been noted in the tissue distribution of mercury. We sought to determine if the uptake of low-dose inorganic mercury into motor neurons dilifers between male and female mice. In conclusion, female mice take up more inorganic mercury into their motor neurons than do male mice. This may be related to a smaller deposition of mercury in the female kidney. leaving more circulating mercury available to be taken up by motor axons.
Glutathione as an antioxidant in inorganic mercury induced nephrotoxicity This review describes the current understanding and the mechanisms involved by different forms of mercury in eliciting their toxicity in kidney along with the knowledge of major intracellular reductant that plays important role in the mitigation of mercury toxicity for the maintenance of homeostasis within the body of living organisms. Mercury toxicity has the ability to produce a variety of deleterious health effects, ranging from single to multiple target effects inside the body of living organisms.
Impact of occupational exposure to elemental mercury on some antioxidative enzymes among dental staff This study investigated the effect of elemental mercury exposure on renal function and antioxidative enzymes activity as a possible mechanism of renal affection among dental staff. Compared to the control group, urinary and blood mercury were significantly higher in the exposed group. Glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities in blood were significantly decreased and were negatively correlated with duration of work.
Inhalation of Mercury-Contaminated Particulate Matter by Dentists: An Overlooked Occupational Risk The vast amount of mercury contaminated particulate matter dentists are exposed to comes from the removal of amalgam fillings. Absorption from the lung occurs but that fecal excretion may predominate. As a result, urine analysis for Hg may be ineffective as a means of occupational monitoring.
Inorganic mercury causes pancreatic beta-cell death via the oxidative stress-induced apoptotic and necrotic pathways Mercury is a well-known highly toxic metal. In this study, we characterize and investigate the cytotoxicity and its possible mechanisms of inorganic mercury in pancreatic beta-cells. Our results suggest that HgCl2-induced oxidative stress causes pancreatic beta-cell dysfunction and cytotoxicity involved the co-existence of apoptotic and necrotic cell death.
Inorganic mercury levels in Americans rose from 2% to 30% over 6 years (a 900% increase) Dan Laks analyzed data from the CDC's National Health Nutrition Examination Survey(NHANES) and found that in the 1999-2000 NHANES survey, mercury was detected in the blood of 2 percent of women aged 18 to 49, that level rose to 30 percent of women by 2005-2006 (a 900% increase) and it was associated with a rise in liver, immune and pituitary dysfunction.
Involvement of environmental mercury and lead in the etiology of neurodegenerative diseases This experimental neurotoxicology study indicates a potential pathogenic role of lead and mercury in the development of neurodegenerative diseases. Mercury has been shown to interfere with a multitude of intracellular targets, thereby contributing to several pathogenic processes typical of neurodegenerative disorders, including mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, deregulation of protein turnover, and brain inflammation.
Long term Use of Nicotine Chewing Gum and Mercury Exposure from Dental Amalgam Fillings This article explorers the statistics concerning long term nicotine gum chewing and determines if chewing nicotine gum can elevate the levels of mercury released into the body from amalgam fillings.
Low Dose Inorganic Mercury Increases Severity and Frequency of Chronic Coxsackievirus-induced Autoimmune Myocarditis in Mice There is evidence that inorganic mercury (iHg) and organic mercury have a range of immunotoxic effects, including immune suppression and induction of autoimmunity. In this study, we investigated the effect of iHg on a model of autoimmune heart disease in mice induced by infection with coxsackievirus B3. We show for the first time that low-dose Hg exposure increases chronic myocarditis and DCM in a murine model.
Low mercury concentrations cause oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction in arteries The functional integrity of endothelium is crucial for the maintenance of blood flow and antithrombotic capacity. Vascular endothelium is highly sensitive to oxidative stress, and this stress is the main cause of the endothelial dysfunction observed in cardiovascular diseases. Chronic exposure to low concentrations of mercury promotes endothelial dysfunction. These findings offer further evidence that mercury, even at low concentrations, is an environmental risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Low-dose exposure to inorganic mercury accelerates disease and mortality in acquired murine lupus Our results support the hypothesis that low-level environmental exposure to Hg is one potential factor in the development of autoimmune disease and may lower the threshold for disease development in susceptible individuals who later encounter the appropriate infectious or toxic triggers of disease.
Luteinizing hormone provides a causal mechanism for mercury associated disease The pituitary is a main target for inorganic mercury (I-Hg) deposition and accumulation within the brain. There is a significant, inverse relationship between chronic mercury exposure and levels of luteinizing hormone (LH). LH is the only hormone with a rare and well characterized, high affinity binding site for mercury. It is likely that LH is an early and significant target of chronic mercury exposure and a causal mechanism for chronic mercury exposure and associated disease.
Maternal amalgam dental fillings as the source of mercury exposure in developing fetus and newborn The human placenta does not represent a real barrier to the transport of Hg0; hence, fetal exposure occurs as a result of maternal exposure to Hg, with possible subsequent neurodevelopmental disabilities in infants. A strong positive correlation between maternal and cord blood Hg levels was found. Levels of Hg in the cord blood were significantly associated with the number of maternal amalgam fillings
Maternal-fetal distribution of mercury (203Hg) released from dental amalgam fillings In humans, the continuous release of Hg vapor from dental amalgam tooth restorations is increased for prolonged periods after chewing. All fetal tissues examined displayed Hg accumulation. Highest concentrations of Hg from amalgam in the adult occurred in kidney and liver, whereas in the fetus the highest amalgam Hg concentrations appeared in liver and pituitary gland. The placenta progressively concentrated Hg as gestation advanced to term.
Mercury and nickel allergy: risk factors in fatigue and autoimmunity This study examined the presence of hypersensitivity to dental and environmental metals in patients with clinical disorders complicated with chronic fatigue syndrome. We have found that fatigue, regardless of the underlying disease, is primarily associated with hypersensitivity to inorganic mercury and nickel. Patients reported alleviated fatigue and disappearance of many symptoms after replacement of amalgam fillings.
Mercury and other environmental chemicals are associated with liver disease Biomonitoring studies show that humans carry a body burden of multiple classes of contaminants which are not often studied together. Many of these chemicals may be hepatotoxic. We used the 2003–2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to evaluate the relationship between alanine aminotransferase (ALT) a sensitive indicator of liver cell injury, and 37 environmental contaminants, comprising heavy metals, non dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and dioxin-like compounds.
Mercury and thyroid autoantibodies in U.S. women CDC NHANES 2007–2008 Associations between positive thyroid autoantibodies and total blood mercury in women were evaluated. Women are at increased risk for autoimmune disorders, mercury exposure has been associated with cellular autoimmunity and mercury accumulates in the thyroid gland. Removal of inorganic mercury-containing dental amalgams resulted in significantly decreased levels of the thyroid autoantibodies thyroglobulin antibody and thyroid peroxidase antibody.
Mercury burden in children - The impact of dental amalgam This study estimated Hg body burden from dental amalgam fillings in 182 children. The detrimental neurobehavioral and/or nephrotoxic effects of such an increased Hg on children should be a cause of concern, and further investigation is warranted. Our results are alarming and indicate an urgent need for biomonitoring and assessment of exposure. Changes in dental practices involving amalgam, especially for children, are highly recommended in order to avoid unnecessary exposure to Hg. 
Mercury burden of human fetal and infant tissues From our results it can be concluded that infants can accumulate mercury, derived from maternal amalgam fillings, in their kidneys. Therefore the unrestricted application of amalgam for dental restorations in women before and during the child-bearing age should be reconsidered in analogy to the recommendation of the German Health Authorities, which argued that because of a higher vulnerability of infants to mercury, amalgam cannot be further recommended for dental restorations for children.
Mercury dental fillings in 1st trimester linked to cleft palate: odds up fourfold in the first 2 months, 17-fold with multiple fillings Women's odds of giving birth to an infant with isolated cleft palate were increased about fourfold if they had mercury fillings placed in the first or second month of pregnancy and 17-fold if they had mercury fillings placed in multiple months during the first trimester. A cleft palate is a birth defect that has a slit in the roof of the mouth because it failed to close during the 1st trimester. 
Mercury exposure and periodontitis among a Korean population This study examined whether mercury exposure is associated with periodontitis. The results suggest that mercury exposure had an independent association with periodontitis. Males with high mercury levels had a 50.0% higher probability of having periodontitis than females with normal mercury levels. High body-burden mercury in males might be a contributory factor linked with periodontitis.
Mercury exposure in children Exposure to toxic mercury (Hg) is a growing health hazard throughout the world today. Recent studies show that mercury exposure may occur in the environment, and increasingly in occupational and domestic settings. Children are particularly vulnerable to Hg intoxication, which may lead to impairment of the developing central nervous system, as well as pulmonary and nephrotic damage. Several sources of toxic Hg exposure in children have been reported in biomedical literature such as that from dental mercury amalgam fillings.
Mercury from Dental Amalgam: Exposure and Risk Assessment Stephen M. Koral, DMD, FIAOMT writes an un-biased article that looks into commonly accepted variables concerning exposure, toxicology and risk assessment in the use of amalgam fillings in dentistry and the effect it will have on the use of amalgam in the future.
Mercury from silver dental fillings may be an etiological factor in depression, excessive anger, and anxiety. Women with "siver" amalgam mercury fillings had a higher incidence of depression, excessive anger, and anxiety. This study suggests that amalgam mercury fillings may be an etiological factor in depression, excessive anger, and anxiety because mercury can produce such symptoms perhaps by affecting the neurotransmitters in the brain.
Mercury in the Spinal Cord After Inhalation of Mercury Inhalation experiments in rats and primates show deposition of Hg in spinal cord following single high-dose short-time exposure. Mercury accumulation in anterior horn cells is followed by axonal atrophy and distal weakness similar to the clinical picture in human ALS. Respiratory Hg exposure could contribute to elevated concentrations of Hg found in cerebrospinal fluid from patients with ALS.
Mercury induced idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy A number of studies clearly establish that the largest source of nonoccupational Hg exposure for the general population is their dental amalgam fillings. Inordinately high levels of Hg (22,000 times greater than that in control subjects) have been found in the heart tissue of patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy.
Mercury levels in plasma and urine after removal of all amalgam restorations: the effect of using rubber dams This study showed that dental amalgam had a statistically significant impact on the mercury levels found in plasma and urine in the patients tested, and that the use of a rubber dam during removal of all amalgam restorations significantly reduced the peak of mercury in plasma following removal.
Mercury released from silver dental fillings provokes an increase in mercury and antibiotic-resistant bacteria in oral and intestinal floras of primates Hg is released from amalgams in amounts sufficient to select for Hg resistant bacteria in the commensal microbiota and that the Hg resistance would be linked to antibiotic resistance genes. After amalgam placement, the primates showed a 10,000-fold rise in the Hg content of their feces. They also had a dramatic rise in Hg resistant bacteria in the oral and fecal bacteria.
Mercury toxicokinetics--dependency on strain and gender Adverse health effects from exposure to mercury (Hg) exposure from dental amalgam fillings cannot be ruled out in a small and more susceptible part of the exposed population. Individual differences in toxicokinetics may explain susceptibility to mercury. F2 mice showed a large inter-individual variation in Hg accumulation, showing that multiple genetic factors influence the Hg toxicokinetics in the mouse.
Metal-specific lymphocyte reactivity is down-regulated after dental amalgam replacement In this study we performed the MELISA® test on patients with health problems suspected to be related to amalgam. Lymphocyte reactivity was studied prior to and after the replacement of biological incompatible dental restorations. It was found that replacement of incompatible dental materials down-regulated metalspecific responses in sensitized individuals.  
Migration of mercury from dental amalgam through human teeth Exposure to mercury from dental amalgams has generally been considered to occur via either erosion or evaporation directly from the surface of fillings, followed by ingestion. This study determined the relative importance of the direct migration of mercury through the tooth as an alternative exposure pathway. Most importantly the detection of Hg in areas of the tooth that once contained an active bloodstream and in calculus indicates that both exposure pathways should be considered as significant.
More than 26 million Americans have chronic kidney disease and most don’t know it. From The National Kidney Foundation: according to investigators at Johns Hopkins and Tufts-New England Medical Center, a study based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey estimated that there are 26,000,000 adults with evidence of kidney disease in the USA alone and most are completely unaware of their condition. This number increases  the rate of chronic kidney disease by 30%. From 10% of the U.S. population (1988-1994) to 13.1% (1999-2004).”
NIH stops funding researcher after showing mercury can cause biochemical hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease Boyd Haley P.h.D. discusses the findings of his published studies (and others), which showed that mercury and only mercury can cause the major biochemical hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease and how the NIH stopped his funding after he published those findings.
Occupational risk factors for the development of systemic lupus erythematosus This study reveals the potential contribution of occupational exposures to the development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and highlights some exposures and experiences that should be examined in other studies using more extensive exposure assessment techniques and in experimental studies of autoimmunity. Although these associations were fairly strong and statistically significant, these estimates are based on a small number of exposed cases and controls.
Organic & inorganic mercury in neonatal rat brain after prenatal exposure to methylmercury & mercury vapor In this study we investigated the effects of prenatal exposure to MeHg and Hg vapor on Hg concentrations in the brain of neonatal rats. Among animals not exposed to MeHg, animals exposed to Hg vapor had significantly greater organic and inorganic brain Hg levels than did unexposed animals. This interaction, heretofore not reported, suggests that coexposure to MeHg and Hg vapor at levels relevant to human exposure might elevate neurotoxic risks.
Overview of Autoimmune Disorders Our immune system is a complex network of special cells and organs that defends the body from germs and other foreign invaders. At the core of the immune system is the ability to tell the difference between self and nonself: A flaw can make the body unable to tell the difference between self and nonself. When this happens, the body makes autoantibodies that attack normal cells by mistake. At the same time special cells called regulatory T cells fail to do their job of keeping the immune system in line. The result is a misguided attack on your own body. 
Overview of mercury as a potential causal factor of Multiple Sclerosis Multiple Sclerosis (“MS”) was first commonly identified in the 19th century during the time in which mercury/silver fillings came into common use. There is toxicological evidence that mercury poisoning victims and multiple sclerosis victims share similar symptoms. While genetic variability and individual ability to excrete mercury probably plays a role, the causation of MS is probably multi-factorial. Very serious consideration should be given to mercury possibly playing a role in the etiology of MS. 
Overview of mercury toxicity from medical books and published studies Stevenson Munro went looking for the answers to his deteriorating health and found the culprit was right under his nose. Stevenson forwarded this powerpoint to M.E. last year and we found it to be an amazing overview of mercury toxicity from medical books and published studies. Anyone who reads it will appreciate the depth of research he has conducted. People should not be surprised to learn that the medical books prognosis of mercury toxicity mirror many of the symptoms those with amalgam fillings claim to have.
Oxford Journal of Occupational Medicine "Mercury and the Kidney" A study published in the Journal of Occupational Medicine  in 2010 revealed that The kidney retains more mercury than any other organ in the body and Estimation of urinary mercury concentration is of limited value in the diagnosis of mercurialism, as high excretion rates may be seen without clinical disorder, or mercurialism may be present when urinary excretion is low.
Placental transfer of mercury in pregnant rats which received dental amalgam restorations Mercury vapor released from one, two and four amalgam restorations in pregnant rats and mercury concentrations in maternal and fetal organs were studied. A highly significant correlation was also found between the number of amalgam fillings and their surface areas. Mercury concentrations in major maternal organs with one, two and four amalgam fillings tended to increase with the increasing amalgam surface areas.
Predictors of treatment outcomes after removal of amalgam fillings The data from this study revealed that amalgam sensitive individuals are quite heterogeneous with respect to treatment effects and that there may be a true association between symptoms and mercury levels in subgroups. Therefore, the question of 'amalgam sensitivity' should concentrate more on individual vulnerability, either in the form of biological (e.g. genetic) or psychosocial (e.g. personality, experiences, health beliefs and concerns) predispositions.
Protective behavior of tamoxifen against Hg2+-induced toxicity on kidney mitochondria in vitro and in vivo experiments Heavy metals are known to induce functional alterations in kidney mitochondria, this damage plays a central role in the mercury-induced acute renal failure. In fact, mercury causes rapid and dramatic changes in the membrane's ionic permeability in such a way that a supra load of mitochondrial Ca(2+) occurs. As a consequence, the phenomenon of permeability transition takes place.
Protective effect of lycopene against mercury-induced cytotoxicity in albino mice: pathological evaluation. We evaluated the protective role of lycopene on cytotoxicity induced by mercury in albino mice. In vivo results showed that the lycopene supplementation decreases cytotoxicity induced by mercury and its protective role is dose-dependent.
Published Study Shows Significant Health Improvements After Removal of Mercury - Amalgam Fillings People with amalgam fillings have higher concentrations of mercury in blood, plasma, urine & body organs than people without amalgam fillings. Long-lasting reductions in intra-oral and general health complaints in the treatment group were significantly different from the reference group. In the treatment group, intra-oral and general health complaints were significantly reduced 3 years after replacement of amalgam fillings.
References Documenting Symptoms To Mercury Exposure Mercury mimics many illnesses. This overview by James M. Love and Dr. Michael Ziff of the International Academy of Oral medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT) provides references for the many varied adverse reactions and symptoms people can experience when exposed to mercury vapor and mercury contaminated particulate matter (as from dental mercury fillings).
Release of mercury from dental amalgam fillings in pregnant rats and distribution of mercury in maternal and fetal tissues Mercury vapor released from a single amalgam restoration in pregnant rats & mercury concentrations in maternal and fetal rat tissues were studied. Mercury in the air samples increased 20-fold after chewing. The placement of a single amalgam increased the levels of mercury in the maternal brain, liver, lung, placenta and 20 times in the kidneys. Highest mercury concentration in fetal organs was found in the liver, kidneys & brain
Removal of dental amalgam supported by antioxidant therapy alleviates symptoms in patients with amalgam-associated ill health We evaluated treatment of patients suffering from chronic ill health with a multitude of symptoms associated with metal exposure from dental amalgam. The hypothesis that metal exposure from dental amalgam can cause ill health in a susceptible part of the exposed population was supported. Further research is warranted to develop laboratory tests to support identification of the group of patients responding to current therapy.
Review of 25 studies and the effects of removing mercury amalgam silver fillings on health This paper, written by Mats Hanson, examines studies from leading research institutes around the world. His research reveals that there has been a documented trend in positive health changes after removal of amalgam fillings since as far back as 1986 (at least!)
Selenium and Mercury in the Brazilian Amazon: Opposing Influences on Age-Related Cataracts Age-related cataract (ARC) is a leading cause of impaired vision among elderly populations. ARC is generally characterized by a gradual painless loss of vision. ARC pathology is believed to result from a combination of risk factors acting over many years, such as smoking; ultraviolet light; exposure to heavy metals, including cadmium and mercury (Hg). For many of these factors, oxidative damage or unbalance in reduced GSH concentrations may be the underlying process leading to degenerative opacities of the lens.
Sensitization to inorganic mercury could be a risk factor for infertility Heavy metals can negatively influence the reproduction due to the fact that they are able to impair the immune reactions including autoantibody production in susceptible individuals. In such a way the infertility could be also caused by altered pathologic immune reaction. In patients with metal intolerance diagnosed by the MELISA® test the release of metal ions from dental materials can be one of the stimulating factors which may adversely affect fertility.
Serum Mercury Level and Multiple Sclerosis Exposure to heavy metals has been associated to a higher incidence of multiple sclerosis. We present a possible relationship between serum mercury levels and development of multiple sclerosis. Serum mercury level in MS patients was significantly higher than controls. Concerning all MS patients, serum mercury value was significantly higher than the mercury concentration founded in control subjects. It may reveal that high mercury levels in serum might help MS development in susceptible individuals.

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Kidney
Monday, 23 January 2012 00:27

Glutathione as an antioxidant in inorganic mercury induced nephrotoxicity

nephrotoxicityGlutathione as an antioxidant in inorganic mercury induced nephrotoxicity

Journal of PostGraduate Medicine 2011 

This review describes the current understanding and the mechanisms involved by different forms of mercury in eliciting their toxicity in kidney along with the knowledge of major intracellular reductant that plays important role in the mitigation of mercury toxicity for the maintenance of homeostasis within the body of living organisms.

Terms

Nephrotoxic: Toxic, or damaging, to the kidney.

Renal: Relating to the kidney. The renal artery is one of two branches of the large blood vessel in the stomach area that serves the kidneys, ureters (tubes that carry urine from the kidney to the bladder) and adrenal glands.

Exposure to mercury has profound effect on renal cellular function and consequently on renal handling of mercury.

ABSTRACT:

Heavy metal toxicity represents an uncommon but clinically significant medical condition, which if unrecognized or inappropriately treated results in significant morbidity and mortality. Among heavy metals, mercury is recognized as a potent and widely distributed toxicant having the ability to accumulate at various levels of food chain besides possessing ability to cross placental and blood-brain barrier. Symptom picture of mercury (Hg 2+ ) toxicity is characterized mainly by a series of renal disorders. Mechanism of inorganic mercury toxicity includes production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) capable of damaging lipids in membrane, proteins or enzymes in tissues, and DNA to induce oxidative stress as balance between generation, and elimination of ROS is essential for maintaining the functional integrity of a cell. Mitigation of endogenous mercury depends as a part on the presence of antioxidants such as glutathione - most abundant intracellular non-protein thiol that plays a central role in the maintenance of cellular redox status by quenching free radicals generated during oxidative stress. Ability of a cell to survive the threat posed by endogenous mercury represents a biological adaptation fundamental to survival. This review describes the current understanding and the mechanisms involved by different forms of mercury in eliciting their toxicity in kidney along with the knowledge of major intracellular reductant that plays important role in the mitigation of mercury toxicity for the maintenance of homeostasis within the body of living organisms.

CONCLUSION:

Mercury - a metal with a widespread use in industries and agriculture - has been recognized as one of the most toxic element, principally in relation to its series of effects on humans following acute or prolonged occupational exposure or from a number of environmental accidents. It has created large havocs in the past, particular being the minimata disaster of Japan and of Iraq. Exposure to mercury is an inescapable consequence of human life. Despite toxic potential of mercury being widely known, its existence in the environment and in several man-made applications makes human exposure inevitable. Concerns regarding potential risk to human population from environmental sources are growing at a steady rate. Mercury toxicity is partly due to its ability to produce a variety of deleterious health effects, ranging from single to multiple target effects inside the body of living organisms. Exposure to mercury has profound effect on renal cellular function and consequently on renal handling of mercury.

Current contentious issue on health risks of mercury underlies a major public health dilemma. Most fascinating of the mercury mysteries is bonding to biological molecules such as proteins, thereby modulating their reactivity as well as their biological effects. Once incorporated in an organism, its physiological and toxicological effects are regulated by two general mechanisms: binding to specific ligands (chelating agents) such as cysteine, homocysteine, GSH, etc., and excretion. Drugs tentatively used as specific chelators against mercury include British Anti-lewisite (BAL), meso-2,3-dimercapto succinic acid (DMSA), sodium salt of 2,3-dimercapto-1-propane sulfonic acid (DMPS), d-penicillamine, etc. However, for being an effective therapeutic chelating agent, it needs to be water-soluble as lipophillic chelators often have a redistribution effect to different organs of the body. GSH, being one of the most versatile and pervasive mercury-binding tripeptide of M-glutamylcysteinyl-glycine, plays an important role in mercury transport, storage, and distribution. Manipulation of intracellular thiols alters accumulation of mercury and as such modulates the effect of mercury at the target site. GSH acts as an important line of defense against oxidative stress as it increases antioxidant capacity of mitochondria, thereby protects it by providing defense against H 2 O 2 , singlet oxygen, hydroxyl radicals, and lipid peroxides generated by mercury. In biological system, binding of mercury with specific ligands such as GSH provides concentration-dependent protection from mercury-induced cytotoxicity as conjugation with GSH limits and regulates its reactivity besides facilitating its transport and elimination from the cell. Despite numerous studies attempted to elucidate the mechanisms implicated in mercury toxicity, further studies are still needed in order to improve pharmacological treatment. Chelating agents such as GSH are the only drugs nowadays available to limit metal toxicity. However, their use is often limited by their lack of selectivity as they cause removal of essential metal ions, thereby making it urgent to identify novel natural substituents that allow the removal of toxic mercury from the body without affecting physiological ionic homeostasis.

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Journal of Post Graduate Medicine

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The Journal of Postgraduate Medicine (Print ISSN 0022-3859, CD ISSN 0972-2823), a multidisciplinary Quarterly biomedical journal, is one of the oldest medical journals from India. The journal is official publication of the Staff Society of Seth G. S. Medical College and K. E. M. Hospital, Mumbai, India. The journal is published, managed and funded by Medknow Publications, Mumbai, India. The Journal promotes published papers by electronically supplying the records to the National Library of Medicine at the time of online publication.

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1 Comment

  • Comment Link Tsais Tuesday, 27 November 2012 20:46 posted by Tsais

    Most of the damage my body has sustained during my life came from amalgam fillings and pharmaceuticals I had to take as a result of mercury poisoning

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