Relation between methylmercury exposure and plasma paraoxonase activity in inuit adults from Nunavik.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Methylmercury (MeHg) exposure has been linked to an increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). Paraoxonase 1 (PON1), an enzyme located in the high-density-lipoprotein (HDL) fraction of blood lipids, may protect against CHD by metabolizing toxic oxidized lipids associated with low-density liproprotein and HDL. MeHg has been shown to inhibit PON1 activity in vitro, but this effect has not been studied in human populations.

Objectives

This study was conducted to determine whether blood mercury levels are linked to decreased plasma PON1 activities in Inuit people who are highly exposed to MeHg through their seafood-based diet.

Methods

We measured plasma PON1 activity using a fluorogenic substrate and blood concentrations of mercury and selenium by inductiv

SUBMITTER: Ayotte P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3237359 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature