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Toenail mercury levels are associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) risk
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January 04 2018
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Source: Muscle Nerve.
[PDF-522.25 KB]
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Alternative Title:Muscle Nerve
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Description:Introduction
Mercury is a neurotoxic metal that is potentially a risk factor for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Consumption of methylmercury contaminated fish is the primary source of U.S. population exposure to mercury.
Methods
We used inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry to measure levels of mercury in toenail samples from ALS patients (n=46) and from controls (n=66), as a biomarker of mercury exposure.
Results
ALS patients had higher toenail mercury levels (OR 2.49 95%CI 1.18–5.80, P=0.024) compared to controls, adjusted for age and gender. We also estimated the amount of mercury consumed from finfish and shellfish and found toenail mercury levels elevated overall among ALS patients and controls in the top quartile for consumption (P=0.018).
Discussion
Biomarker data show ALS associated with increased with mercury levels, which were related to estimated methylmercury intake via fish. Replication of these associations in additional populations is warranted.
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Pubmed ID:29314106
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Pubmed Central ID:PMC6034986
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