Distinct demethylation pathways of rice- and fish-derived methylmercury in pregnant women revealed by compound-specific isotope analysis.

ABSTRACT: Understanding mercury (Hg) metabolism and exposure pathways in pregnant women is essential for protecting fetal health. However, most previous studies have relied primarily on Hg concentrations in single biomarkers, limiting insight into in vivo metabolic differences and maternal-fetal transfer, especially regarding source-specific MeHg metabolism. This study applies compound-specific stable isotope analysis to investigate total Hg (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg) concentrations and isotopic signatures in rice and maternal biomarkers from the Wanshan Hg mining area, China. Even after remediation, THg in all cord blood samples still exceeded the U.S. EPA recommended limit. Widespread mass-dependent fractionation (MDF) was observed across different biomarkers. The MDF of THg was driven

SUBMITTER: Lai C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12813602 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature