Role for apolipoprotein E in neurodegeneration and mercury intoxication.

Role for apolipoprotein E in neurodegeneration and mercury intoxication. Front Biosci (Elite Ed). 2018 Jan 01;10:229-241 Authors: Arrifano GPF, de Oliveira MA, Souza-Monteiro JR, Paraense RO, Ribeiro-Dos-Santos A, Vieira JRDS, Silva ALDC, Macchi BM, do Nascimento JLM, Burbano RMR, Crespo-Lopez ME Abstract Mercury intoxication is a serious public health problem and a worldwide concern. The Minamata Convention on Mercury has been signed by 128 countries and endorsed by the World Health Organization with the recommendation of promoting the management of epidemiological information. The Central Nervous System is the main target organ for mercury. Symptoms of intoxication include altered motor coordination, visual and tactile dysfunction and paralysis, caused by neurodegeneration with a key role for oxidative damage. Recently, some studies have demonstrated a correlation between mercury intoxication and isoforms of apolipoprotein E (ApoE). In this review, epidemiological data and hypotheses about the possible molecular mechanisms underlying the association between ApoE and mercury intoxication are assessed. Based on the evidence and the neuropathological changes that the presence of ApoE4 and mercury neurotoxicity have in common, we propose a convergent action of both factors. ApoE4 seems to potentiate the damage caused by mercury. Increased knowledge of this interaction using epidemiological and pre-clinical studies is essential to impro...
Source: Frontiers in Bioscience - Elite - Category: Biomedical Science Tags: Front Biosci (Elite Ed) Source Type: research