An investigation of modifying effects of metallothionein single-nucleotide polymorphisms on the association between mercury exposure and biomarker levels.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Recent studies have suggested that several genes that mediate mercury metabolism are polymorphic in humans.

Objective

We hypothesized that single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in metallothionein (MT) genes may underlie interindividual differences in mercury biomarker levels. We studied the potential modifying effects of MT SNPs on mercury exposure-biomarker relationships.

Methods

We measured total mercury in urine and hair samples of 515 dental professionals. We also surveyed occupational and personal exposures to dental amalgam and dietary fish consumption, from which daily methylmercury (MeHg) intake was estimated. Log-transformed urine and hair levels were modeled in multivariable linear regression separately against respective exposure surrogates, and

SUBMITTER: Wang Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3339459 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature