Umbilical cord blood and placental mercury, selenium and selenoprotein expression in relation to maternal fish consumption.

ABSTRACT: Seafood is an important source of nutrients for fetal neurodevelopment. Most individuals are exposed to the toxic element mercury through seafood. Due to the neurotoxic effects of mercury, United States government agencies recommend no more than 340g (12oz) per week of seafood consumption during pregnancy. However, recent studies have shown that selenium, also abundant in seafood, can have protective effects against mercury toxicity. In this study, we analyzed mercury and selenium levels and selenoprotein mRNA, protein, and activity in placenta of a cohort of women in Hawaii in relation to maternal seafood consumption assessed with dietary surveys. Fish consumption resulted in differences in mercury levels in placenta and cord blood. When taken as a group, those who consumed no fish exhibi

SUBMITTER: Gilman CL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4352208 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature