Proximal tubule mercury exposure

The data indicate that zinc-induced metallothionein binds mercury in the renal cortex and shifts the distribution of mercury from its site of toxicity at the epithelial cells of the proximal tubules. Thus, the renal content of mercury is increased, yet less is available to cause toxicity. In contrast, the renal toxicity of mercuric chloride is exacerbated in zinc-deficient animals (Fukino et al. 1992). In the zinc-deficient state, less mercury accumulates in the kidneys, but the toxicity is greater. The mechanism of the protection appears to involve more than simply a redistribution of renal mercury, because in the absence of mercury exposure, zinc deficiency increases renal oxidative stress (increased lipid peroxidation, decreased reduced ascorbate). When mercury exposure occurs, the oxidative stress is compounded (increased lipid peroxidation and decreased glutathione and glutathione peroxidase). Thus, zinc appears to affect the biochemical protective mechanisms in the kidneys as well. 

Roels et al. [38] points out that the analytical techniques identified in Table 1 are not easily available and are not well-suited for routine biomonitoring of occupational or environmental exposures. Instead, indirect biomarkers such as urinary enzymes are often used with success to evaluate mercury exposure and injury. Zalups [35] identifies numerous methods used to detect renal tubular injury induced by mercury. These methods monitor the urinary excretion of enzymes that leak from injured and necrotic proximal tubules, including lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and N-acetyl-P-D-glucosaminidase (NAG). Although advocated by Zalups (35) to detect renal tubular injury, Mason et al. (48) questions the practical utility of such biomarkers in occupational surveillance. According to Mason et al., small increases in NAG, leucine... 

Zalups RK, Barfuss D (1990) Accumulation of inorganic mercury along the renal proximal tubule of the rabbit. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 106 245-253 Zalups RK, Lash LH (1990) Effect of uninephrectomy and mercuric chloride on renal glutathione homeostasis. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 254 962-970 Zhao JY, Wang SJ (1988) Experimental study of proteinuria caused by chronic exposure to mercury. Biomed Environ Sci 1 235-246... 

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