Activity of antioxidative enzymes in erythrocytes and concentration of selenium in plasma related to mercury exposure
Björkman, L.; Langworth, S.; Lind, B.; Elinder, C.G.; Nordberg, M.
Journal of Trace Elements and Electrolytes in Health and Disease 7(3): 157-164
1993
ISSN/ISBN: 0931-2838 PMID: 8155988 Document Number: 419285
The possible relations between erythrocyte activity of catalase and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), as well as between plasma selenium concentrations and mercury concentration in blood and urine were examined in individuals with occupational exposure to mercury vapour, individuals with subjective symptoms alleged to be caused by dental amalgam fillings, individuals with skin hypersensitivity to inorganic mercury, and a control group. The study did not reveal any differences in plasma selenium concentrations in individuals occupationally exposed to mercury vapour compared with controls. Activity of GSH-Px and catalase was similar in the groups and no correlation was found between the activity of GSH-Px in erythrocytes and the plasma selenium concentrations. Thus, the results do not suggest that chronic low exposure to mercury or skin allergy to mercury compounds influence erythrocyte activity of glutathione peroxidase and catalase. The were no deviations in plasma selenium levels in subjects with subjective symptoms alleged to be caused by amalgam fillings. However, an association between low GSH-Px activity and a higher number of reported symptoms needs further investigation.