scholarly journals Mercury Exposure and Heart Diseases

Author(s):  
Giuseppe Genchi ◽  
Maria Stefania Sinicropi ◽  
Alessia Carocci ◽  
Graziantonio Lauria ◽  
Alessia Catalano

Environmental contamination has exposed humans to various metal agents, including mercury. It has been determined that mercury is not only harmful to the health of vulnerable populations such as pregnant women and children, but is also toxic to ordinary adults in various ways. For many years, mercury was used in a wide variety of human activities. Nowadays, the exposure to this metal from both natural and artificial sources is significantly increasing. Recent studies suggest that chronic exposure, even to low concentration levels of mercury, can cause cardiovascular, reproductive and developmental toxicity, neurotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, immunotoxicity, and carcinogenicity. Possible biological effects of mercury, including the relationship between mercury toxicity and diseases of the cardiovascular system, such as hypertension, coronary heart disease and myocardial infarction, are being studied. As heart rhythm and function are under autonomic nervous system control, it has been hypothesized that the neurotoxic effects of mercury might also impact cardiac autonomic function. Mercury exposure could have a long-lasting effect on cardiac parasympathetic activity and some evidence show that mercury exposure might affect heart rate variability, particularly early exposures in children. The mechanism by which mercury produces toxic effects on the cardiovascular system is not fully elucidated, but this mechanism is believed to involve an increase in oxidative stress. The exposure to mercury increases the production of free radicals, potentially because of the role of mercury in the Fenton reaction and a reduction in the activity of antioxidant enzymes, such as glutathione peroxidase. In this review we report an overview on the toxicity of mercury and focus our attention on the toxic effects on the cardiovascular system.

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (5) ◽  
pp. 785-791
Author(s):  
A. A. Avagimyan ◽  
L. H. Mkrtchyan ◽  
A. A. Gevorkyan ◽  
N. B. Kononchuk ◽  
L. V. Kakturskiy ◽  
...  

The aim of this article is to represent the characterization of the clinical case of chemotherapy-related atrial fibrillation (AF) development in the young woman, elaborated as a result of multiple neoadjuvant and adjuvant modes of the intake of chemotherapy (both anthracycline based and non-anthracycline ones). In this case, the noted disturbances of heart rhythm should be recognized as a manifestation of cardiotoxicity. The latter implies the degree of detrimental effect of chemotherapeutical medication on the morphophynctional parameters of the cardiovascular system. Anthracycline drugs, being highly effective chemotherapytical agents, provide well-known toxic effects on the heart and vessels. Anthracycline mediated cardiotoxicity is a well- known veracity that dates back to the 60s of the last century, but up to now this medication sustains irreplaceable components of big volume of chemotherapy modes. Moreover, it should be noted that relatively newer drugs also posses certain cardiotoxicogenic potential.


Author(s):  
Алексей Дмитриевич Акишин ◽  
Иван Павлович Семчук ◽  
Александр Петрович Николаев

Постоянно растущий интерес к разработке новых неинвазивных и безманжетных методов измерения параметров сердечной деятельности, использование которых давало бы возможность непрерывного и удаленного контроля сердечно-сосудистой системы, обуславливает актуальность данной работы. В многочисленных публикациях продолжаются обсуждения преимуществ и недостатков различных методов ранней диагностики сердечно-сосудистых заболеваний. Однако артефакты движения являются сильной помехой, мешающей точной оценке показателей функционирования сердечно-сосудистой системы. Одним из перспективных методов контроля является метод оценки физиологических параметров с использованием фотоплетизмографии. Данная статья посвящена разработке устройства для фотоплетизмографических исследований и алгоритмических методов обработки регистрируемых сигналов для обеспечения мониторинга сердечного ритма с заданной точностью. В работе используются технологии цифровой адаптивной фильтрации полученных сигналов для мониторинга сердечного ритма в условиях внешних механических и электрических помеховых воздействий, ухудшающих точностные характеристики системы, а также разработана архитектура системы и изготовлен макет устройства, который позволил провести измерения для определения оптимального алгоритма цифровой обработки сигналов. При использовании устройства применялись методы адаптивной фильтрации на основе фильтров Винера, фильтров на основе метода наименьших квадратов и Калмановской фильтрации. Разработанное устройство для фотоплетизмографических исследований обеспечило возможность мониторинга сердечного ритма с заданной точностью, контроля текущего состояния организма и может быть использовано в качестве средства диагностики заболеваний сердца The constantly growing interest in the development of new non-invasive and cuff-free methods for measuring the parameters of cardiac activity, the use of which would give the possibility of continuous and remote monitoring of the cardiovascular system, determines the relevance of this work. Numerous publications continue to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of various methods of early diagnosis of cardiovascular disease. However, motion artifacts are a strong hindrance to the accurate assessment of the performance of the cardiovascular system. One of the promising control methods is the method for assessing physiological parameters using photoplethysmography. This article is devoted to the development of a device for photoplethysmographic studies and algorithmic methods for processing recorded signals to ensure monitoring of the heart rate with a given accuracy. The work uses technologies of digital adaptive filtering of the received signals to monitor the heart rate in conditions of external mechanical and electrical interference, which worsen the accuracy characteristics of the system, as well as the architecture of the system and a prototype of the device, which made it possible to carry out measurements to determine the optimal algorithm for digital signal processing. When using the device, the methods of adaptive filtering based on Wiener filters, filters based on the least squares method and Kalman filtering were used. The developed device for photoplethysmographic studies provided the ability to monitor the heart rate with a given accuracy, control the current state of the body and can be used as a means of diagnosing heart diseases


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 2536
Author(s):  
Rong-Jane Chen ◽  
Chiao-Ching Huang ◽  
Rosita Pranata ◽  
Yu-Hsuan Lee ◽  
Yu-Ying Chen ◽  
...  

Silver nanoparticles pose a potential risk to ecosystems and living organisms due to their widespread use in various fields and subsequent gradual release into the environment. Only a few studies have investigated the effects of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) toxicity on immunological functions. Furthermore, these toxic effects have not been fully explored. Recent studies have indicated that zebrafish are considered a good alternative model for testing toxicity and for evaluating immunological toxicity. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the toxicity effects of AgNPs on innate immunity using a zebrafish model and to investigate whether the natural compound pterostilbene (PTE) could provide protection against AgNPs-induced immunotoxicity. Wild type and neutrophil- and macrophage-transgenic zebrafish lines were used in the experiments. The results indicated that the exposure to AgNPs induced toxic effects including death, malformation and the innate immune toxicity of zebrafish. In addition, AgNPs affect the number and function of neutrophils and macrophages. The expression of immune-related cytokines and chemokines was also affected. Notably, the addition of PTE could activate immune cells and promote their accumulation in injured areas in zebrafish, thereby reducing the damage caused by AgNPs. In conclusion, AgNPs may induce innate immune toxicity and PTE could ameliorate this toxicity.


2015 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 300-307 ◽  
Author(s):  
Swati Omanwar ◽  
M. Fahim

Vascular endothelium plays a vital role in the organization and function of the blood vessel and maintains homeostasis of the circulatory system and normal arterial function. Functional disruption of the endothelium is recognized as the beginning event that triggers the development of consequent cardiovascular disease (CVD) including atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. There is a growing data associating mercury exposure with endothelial dysfunction and higher risk of CVD. This review explores and evaluates the impact of mercury exposure on CVD and endothelial function, highlighting the interplay of nitric oxide and oxidative stress.


Author(s):  
Sherin Saheera ◽  
Vivek P Jani ◽  
Kenneth W Witwer ◽  
Shelby Kutty

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanosized lipid bilayer-delimited particles released from cells that mediate intercellular communications and play a pivotal role in various physiological and pathological processes. Subtypes of EVs may include plasma-membrane ectosomes or microvesicles and endosomal-origin exosomes, although functional distinctions remain unclear. EVs carry cargo proteins, nucleic acids (RNA and DNA), lipids, and metabolites. By presenting or transferring this cargo to recipient cells, EVs can trigger cellular responses. Here, we summarize what is known about EV biogenesis, composition, and function, with an emphasis on the role of EVs in cardiovascular system. Additionally, we provide an update on the function of EVs in cardiovascular pathophysiology, further highlighting their potential for diagnostic and therapeutic applications.


2002 ◽  
Vol 227 (9) ◽  
pp. 779-785 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Luisa Albina ◽  
M. Teresa Colomina ◽  
Domenec J. Sanchez ◽  
Margarita Torrente ◽  
Jose L. Domingo

The maternal and developmental toxicity of combined exposure to restraint stress and caffeine was assessed in mice. On gestational Days 0–18, three groups of plug-positive females (n = 13–15) were given by gavage caffeine at 30, 60, and 120 mg/kg/day. Three additional groups received the same caffeine doses and were restrained for 2 hr/day. Control groups included restrained and unrestrained plug-positive mice not exposed to caffeine. All animals in the group concurrently exposed to 120 mg/kg/day of caffeine and restraint died during the experimental period. In the remaining groups, cesarean sections were performed on Day 18 of gestation, and the fetuses were weighed and examined for external, internal, and skeletal malformations and variations. Although maternal and embryo/fetal toxicity were observed at all caffeine doses, the adverse maternal and developmental effects were significantly enhanced in the groups concurrently exposed to caffeine and restraint. It was especially remarkable at 60 and 120 mg/kg/day. The results of this study suggest that maternal and developmental toxic effects might occur if high amounts of caffeine were consumed by women under a notable stress during pregnancy.


Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 3041
Author(s):  
Ren Jie Tuieng ◽  
Sarah H. Cartmell ◽  
Cliona C. Kirwan ◽  
Michael J. Sherratt

Exposure to sub-lethal doses of ionising and non-ionising electromagnetic radiation can impact human health and well-being as a consequence of, for example, the side effects of radiotherapy (therapeutic X-ray exposure) and accelerated skin ageing (chronic exposure to ultraviolet radiation: UVR). Whilst attention has focused primarily on the interaction of electromagnetic radiation with cells and cellular components, radiation-induced damage to long-lived extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins has the potential to profoundly affect tissue structure, composition and function. This review focuses on the current understanding of the biological effects of ionising and non-ionising radiation on the ECM of breast stroma and skin dermis, respectively. Although there is some experimental evidence for radiation-induced damage to ECM proteins, compared with the well-characterised impact of radiation exposure on cell biology, the structural, functional, and ultimately clinical consequences of ECM irradiation remain poorly defined.


Author(s):  
Rumana M Shaikh

A broad variety of health conditions are involved in heart disease. Several illnesses and disorders come under the heart disease umbrella. Heart disease forms include: In arrhythmia, abnormality of the heart rhythm. Arteriosclerosis, Hardening of the arteries is atherosclerosis. Via cardiomyopathy, this disorder causes muscles in the heart to harden or grow weak. Defects of the congenital heart, heart abnormalities that are present at birth are congenital heart defects. Disease of the coronary arteries (CAD), the accumulation of plaque in the heart's arteries triggers CAD. It's called ischemic heart disease occasionally. Infections of the heart, bacteria, viruses, or parasites may trigger heart infections. Heart diseases namely arrhythmias, coronary heart disease, heart attacks, cardiomyopathy will be detect using the proposed algorithm in this paper. Here I compared three algorithms namely Restricted Boltzmann Machines, Deep Belief Networks and Convolutional Neural Networks for electrocardiogram (ECG) classification for heart disease.


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