Efeitos da intoxicação por metilmercúrio em camundongos selvagens (C57BL/6) e em modelo experimental de aterosclerose (APOE nocaute)

Abstract

Methylmercury (meHg) is present in the environment from industrial activities and mineral exploration, it is the most toxic organometallic form of mercury (Hg), which can be ingested mainly through contaminated water and fish, representing great risks to human health, especially to riverside populations. Evidence suggests that, in addition to the damage caused to the central nervous system, meHg is also capable of causing damage to the cardiovascular system in the long term. For this reason, this study aimed to investigate the effects of meHg ingestion on the development of atherosclerosis. Wild mice (C57BL / 6) and experimental model of atherosclerosis (APOE knockout) females were used, receiving or not methylmercury chloride (20 mg / L) diluted in drinking water and AIN-93M diet, for 14 days. The concentration of total mercury in the animals' hair was measured. Blood pressure was assessed before intoxication and at the end of the experiment. The lipid profile was evaluated in serum samples and in the extracted liver content, and oxidative stress was also evaluated. The number of cells in rolling and adhesion were measured. The percentage of atherosclerotic lesion was assessed in the aorta and carotid. Intoxication was not able to alter water intake, food intake, fasting glucose and triglycerides in animals, however an increase in total cholesterol was found in the intoxicated groups (CTHg and APOEHg) in relation to their controls (CT and APOE) who did not receive methylmercury, as well as the non-HDL (atherogenic) fraction, without altering the HDL fraction. Intoxication further increased systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressure in both intoxicated groups, and caused an increase in oxidative stress in the liver and in rolling cells and adhesion. The areas affected by atherosclerotic lesion in the aorta and carotid artery were enlarged with methylmercury treatment. These results demonstrate that methylmercury can influence cardiovascular parameters, promoting dyslipidemia, increased hepatic oxidative stress, elevated blood pressure that favored the development of atherosclerotic lesions in the aorta and carotid in non-prone (C57BL / 6) and prone animals (APOE knockout).