STUDY: The contribution of dental amalgam to urinary mercury excretion in children

http://ilenarose.blogspot.com
Health Lover, Ilena Rosenthal

The contribution of dental amalgam to urinary mercury excretion in
children

Environ Health Perspect. 2007 Oct;115(10):1527-31. Woods JS, Martin
MD, Leroux BG, Derouen TA, Leitão JG, Bernardo MF, Luis HS, Simmonds
PL, Kushleika JV, Huang Y.

Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences,
University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.

BACKGROUND: Urinary mercury concentrations are widely used as a
measure of mercury exposure from dental amalgam fillings. No studies
have evaluated the relationship of these measures in a longitudinal
context in children.

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated urinary mercury in children 8-18 years of age
in relation to number of amalgam surfaces and time since placement
over a 7-year course of amalgam treatment.

METHODS: Five hundred seven children, 8-10 years of age at baseline,
participated in a clinical trial to evaluate the neurobehavioral
effects of dental amalgam in children. Subjects were randomized to
either dental amalgam or resin composite treatments. Urinary mercury
and creatinine concentrations were measured at baseline and annually
on all participants.

RESULTS: Treatment groups were comparable in baseline urinary mercury
concentration (~ 1.5 mug/L). Mean urinary mercury concentrations in
the amalgam group increased to a peak of ~ 3.2 mug/L at year 2 and
then declined to baseline levels by year 7 of follow-up.

There was a strong, positive association between urinary mercury and
both number of amalgam surfaces and time since placement. Girls had
significantly higher mean urinary mercury concentrations than boys
throughout the course of amalgam treatment. There were
no differences by race in urinary mercury concentration associated
with amalgam exposure.

CONCLUSIONS: Urinary mercury concentrations are highly correlated with
both number of amalgam fillings and time since placement in children.
Girls excrete significantly higher concentrations of mercury in the
urine than boys with comparable treatment, suggesting possible
sex-related differences in mercury handling and susceptibility to
mercury toxicity.

Ilena Rose wrote:

CONCLUSIONS: Urinary mercury concentrations are highly correlated
with both number of amalgam fillings and time since placement in
children. Girls excrete significantly higher concentrations of
mercury in the urine than boys with comparable treatment,
suggesting possible sex-related differences in mercury
handling and susceptibility to mercury toxicity.

Good study. It shows that urinary testing is reliable.

In 2004, when Clinton C Zimmerman was posting,
he claimed that urine testing was not a reliable
indicator of mercury exposure from dental amalgams,
so therefore a study I cited showing no neurological
effects from such exposure should be dismissed.
He also claimed that the studies I cited which
counted the number of amalgam fillings as a measure
of exposure were invalid because that was also not
relible indicator. This study shows he was wrong,
because there is correlation between number of
fllings and urinary mercury. And the studies I
cited are valid.

These are abstracts for two of those studies:


Environ Health Perspect 2003 May;111(5):719-23
Mercury derived from dental amalgams and
neuropsychologic function.
Factor-Litvak P, Hasselgren G, Jacobs D, Begg M,
Kline J, Geier J, Mervish N, Schoenholtz S, Graziano J.
Department of Epidemiology and Department of
Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of
Public Health, Columbia University, New York,
New York, USA.

There is widespread concern regarding the safety
of silver-mercury amalgam dental restorations,
yet little evidence to support their harm or safety.
We examined whether mercury dental
amalgams are adversely associated with cognitive
functioning in a cross-sectional sample of
healthy working adults. We studied 550 adults,
30-49 years of age, who were not occupationally
exposed to mercury. Participants were representative
of employees at a major urban medical
center. Each participant underwent a neuropsychologic
test battery, a structured questionnaire, a
modified dental examination, and collection of
blood and urine samples. Mercury exposure was
assessed using a) urinary mercury concentration (UHg);
b) the total number of amalgam surfaces;
and c) the number of occlusal amalgam surfaces.
Linear regression analysis was used to estimate
associations between each marker of mercury
exposure and each neuropsychologic test,
adjusting for potential confounding variables.
Exposure levels were relatively low. The mean UHg
was 1.7 micro g/g creatinine (range, 0.09-17.8);
the mean total number of amalgam surfaces was
10.6 (range, 0-46) and the mean number of
occlusal amalgam surfaces was 6.1 (range, 0-19).
No measure of exposure was significantly associated
with the scores on any neuropsychologic
test in analyses that adjusted for the sampling
design and other covariates. In a sample of healthy
working adults, mercury exposure derived from
dental amalgam restorations was not associated
with any detectable deficits in cognitive or fine
motor functioning.


J Dent. 2003 Sep;31(7):487-92.
Memory functions in persons with dental amalgam.
Dalen K, Lygre GB, Klove H, Gjerdet NR, Askevold E.
Department of Clinical Neuropsychology, University of
Bergen, Jonas Liesvei 91, N-5009, Bergen, Norway.

Memory and psychophysiological variables in persons
with self-reported reactions to dental amalgam (amalgam
patients: N=26) and in persons without such symptoms
(controls: N=21) were compared. The groups were
matched regarding age, education, and amount of amalgam.
Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised was obtained for all
subjects and compared to amalgam points in a
dose-response design. The results demonstrated that
amalgam patients function on the same level as the controls
regarding memory variables, attention, concentration, and
delayed recall. Psychophysiological measures of skin
conductance as correlates of attention and basal memory
functions, were compared in the two groups. No differences
between the two groups were observed and no correlation
between memory variables and exposure to amalgam could
be detected.

"Mark Thorson" wrote in message
...
Ilena Rose wrote:

CONCLUSIONS: Urinary mercury concentrations are highly correlated
with both number of amalgam fillings and time since placement in
children. Girls excrete significantly higher concentrations of
mercury in the urine than boys with comparable treatment,
suggesting possible sex-related differences in mercury
handling and susceptibility to mercury toxicity.

Good study. It shows that urinary testing is reliable.

In 2004, when Clinton C Zimmerman was posting,
he claimed that urine testing was not a reliable
indicator of mercury exposure from dental amalgams,
so therefore a study I cited showing no neurological
effects from such exposure should be dismissed.
He also claimed that the studies I cited which
counted the number of amalgam fillings as a measure
of exposure were invalid because that was also not
relible indicator. This study shows he was wrong,
because there is correlation between number of
fllings and urinary mercury. And the studies I
cited are valid.

These are abstracts for two of those studies:


Environ Health Perspect 2003 May;111(5):719-23
Mercury derived from dental amalgams and
neuropsychologic function.
Factor-Litvak P, Hasselgren G, Jacobs D, Begg M,
Kline J, Geier J, Mervish N, Schoenholtz S, Graziano J.
Department of Epidemiology and Department of
Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of
Public Health, Columbia University, New York,
New York, USA.

There is widespread concern regarding the safety
of silver-mercury amalgam dental restorations,
yet little evidence to support their harm or safety.
We examined whether mercury dental
amalgams are adversely associated with cognitive
functioning in a cross-sectional sample of
healthy working adults. We studied 550 adults,
30-49 years of age, who were not occupationally
exposed to mercury. Participants were representative
of employees at a major urban medical
center. Each participant underwent a neuropsychologic
test battery, a structured questionnaire, a
modified dental examination, and collection of
blood and urine samples. Mercury exposure was
assessed using a) urinary mercury concentration (UHg);
b) the total number of amalgam surfaces;
and c) the number of occlusal amalgam surfaces.
Linear regression analysis was used to estimate
associations between each marker of mercury
exposure and each neuropsychologic test,
adjusting for potential confounding variables.
Exposure levels were relatively low. The mean UHg
was 1.7 micro g/g creatinine (range, 0.09-17.8);
the mean total number of amalgam surfaces was
10.6 (range, 0-46) and the mean number of
occlusal amalgam surfaces was 6.1 (range, 0-19).
No measure of exposure was significantly associated
with the scores on any neuropsychologic
test in analyses that adjusted for the sampling
design and other covariates. In a sample of healthy
working adults, mercury exposure derived from
dental amalgam restorations was not associated
with any detectable deficits in cognitive or fine
motor functioning.


J Dent. 2003 Sep;31(7):487-92.
Memory functions in persons with dental amalgam.
Dalen K, Lygre GB, Klove H, Gjerdet NR, Askevold E.
Department of Clinical Neuropsychology, University of
Bergen, Jonas Liesvei 91, N-5009, Bergen, Norway.

Memory and psychophysiological variables in persons
with self-reported reactions to dental amalgam (amalgam
patients: N=26) and in persons without such symptoms
(controls: N=21) were compared. The groups were
matched regarding age, education, and amount of amalgam.
Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised was obtained for all
subjects and compared to amalgam points in a
dose-response design. The results demonstrated that
amalgam patients function on the same level as the controls
regarding memory variables, attention, concentration, and
delayed recall. Psychophysiological measures of skin
conductance as correlates of attention and basal memory
functions, were compared in the two groups. No differences
between the two groups were observed and no correlation
between memory variables and exposure to amalgam could
be detected.

http://www.fasebj.org/cgi/content/full/12/11/971
Neurobehavioral effects from exposure to dental amalgam Hgo: new
distinctions between recent exposure and Hg body burden
Diana Echeverriaa,b,1, H. Vasken Aposhianc, James S. Woodsa,b, Nicholas J.
Heyerb, Mary M. Aposhianc, Alvah C. Bittner, JR.a,b, Roderick K. Mahurin,
and Margaret Cianciolad
a Battelle Centers for Public Health Research and Evaluation, Seattle,
Washington 98105, USA
b Department of Environmental Health, University of Washington, Seattle,
Washington 98195, USA
c Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Arizona,
Tucson, Arizona 85721, USA
d Department of Psychiatry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
98195, USA

ABSTRACT
TOP
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION
MATERIALS AND METHODS
RESULTS
DISCUSSION
REFERENCES


Potential toxicity from exposure to mercury vapor (Hgo) from dental amalgam
fillings is the subject of current public health debate in many countries.
We evaluated potential central nervous system (CNS) toxicity associated with
handling Hg-containing amalgam materials among dental personnel with very
low levels of Hgo exposure (i.e., urinary Hg 4 µg/l), applying a
neurobehavioral test battery to evaluate CNS functions in relation to both
recent exposure and Hg body burden. New distinctions between subtle
preclinical effects on symptoms, mood, motor function, and cognition were
found associated with Hg body burden as compared with those associated with
recent exposure. The pattern of results, comparable to findings previously
reported among subjects with urinary Hg 50 µg/l, presents convincing new
evidence of adverse behavioral effects associated with low Hgo exposures
within the range of that received by the general population.-Echeverria, D.,
Aposhian, H. V., Woods, J. S., Heyer, N. J., Aposhian, M. M., Bittner, A.
C., Jr., Mahurin, R. K. Neurobehavioral effects from exposure to dental
amalgam Hgo: new distinctions between recent exposure and Hg body burden.
FASEB J. 12, 971-980 (1998);


http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/q...eve&db=pubmed&...


J Alzheimers Dis. 2003 Jun;5(3):189-95.Related Articles, Links


Apolipoprotein E genotyping as a potential biomarker for mercury
neurotoxicity.


Godfrey ME, Wojcik DP, Krone CA.


Bay of Plenty Environmental Health Clinic, Tauranga, New Zealand.



Apolipoprotein-E (apo-E) genotyping has been investigated as an indicator of
susceptibility to heavy metal (i.e., lead) neurotoxicity. Moreover, the
apo-E epsilon (epsilon)4 allele is a major risk factor for neurodegenerative
conditions, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). A theoretical biochemical
basis for this risk factor is discussed herein, supported by data from 400
patients with presumptive mercury-related neuro-psychiatric symptoms and in
whom apo-E determinations were made. A statistically relevant shift toward
the at-risk apo-E epsilon4 groups was found in the patients p0.001). The
patients possessed a mean of 13.7 dental amalgam fillings and 31.5 amalgam
surfaces. This far exceeds the number capable of producing the maximum
identified tolerable daily intake of mercury from amalgam. The clinical
diagnosis and proof of chronic low-level mercury toxicity has been difficult
due to the non-specific nature of the symptoms and signs. Dental amalgam is
the greatest source of mercury in the general population and brain, blood
and urine mercury levels increase correspondingly with the number of
amalgams and amalgam surfaces in the mouth. Confirmation of an elevated body
burden of mercury can be made by measuring urinary mercury, after
provocation with 2,3,-dimercapto-propane sulfonate (DMPS) and this was
measured in 150 patients. Apo-E genotyping warrants investigation as a
clinically useful biomarker for those at increased risk of neuropathology,
including AD, when subjected to long-term mercury exposures. Additionally,
when clinical findings suggest adverse effects of chronic mercury exposure,
a DMPS urine mercury challenge appears to be a simple, inexpensive procedure
that provides objective confirmatory evidence. An opportunity could now
exist for primary health practitioners to help identify those at greater
risk and possibly forestall subsequent neurological deterioration.


PMID: 12897404 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/q...eve&db=pubmed&...


Altern Med Rev. 2000 Jun;5(3):209-23.Related Articles, Links


Environmental medicine, part three: long-term effects of chronic low-dose
mercury exposure.


Crinnion WJ.


Healing Naturally, 11811 NE 128th St., Suite 202, Kirkland, WA 98034, USA.


Mercury is ubiquitous in the environment, and in our mouths in the form of
"silver" amalgams. Once introduced to the body through food or vapor,
mercury is rapidly absorbed and accumulates in several tissues, leading to
increased oxidative damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, and cell death.
Mercury primarily affects neurological tissue, resulting in numerous
neurological symptoms, and also affects the kidneys and the immune system.
It causes increased production of free radicals and decreases the
availability of antioxidants. It also has devastating effects on the
glutathione content of the body, giving rise to the possibility of increased
retention of other environmental toxins. Fortunately, effective tests are
available to help distinguish those individuals who are excessively burdened
with mercury, and to monitor them during treatment. Therapies for assisting
the reduction of a mercury load include the use of 2,3-dimercaptosuccinic
acid (DMSA) and 2,3-dimercato-1-propanesulfoni*c acid (DMPS). Additional
supplementation to assist in the removal of mercury and to reduce its
adverse effects is discussed.


Publication Types:
Review
Review, Tutorial


PMID: 10869102 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


1: FASEB J 1998 Aug;12(11):971-80 Related Articles, Books, LinkOut


Neurobehavioral effects from exposure to dental amalgam Hg(o): new
distinctions between recent exposure and Hg body burden.


Echeverria D, Aposhian HV, Woods JS, Heyer NJ, Aposhian MM, Bittner AC Jr,
Mahurin RK, Cianciola M.


Battelle Centers for Public Health Research and Evaluation, Seattle,
Washington 98105, USA.


Potential toxicity from exposure to mercury vapor (Hg(o)) from dental
amalgam fillings is the subject of current public health debate in many
countries. We evaluated potential central nervous system (CNS) toxicity
associated with handling Hg-containing amalgam materials among dental
personnel with very low levels of Hg(o) exposure (i.e., urinary Hg 4
microg/l), applying a neurobehavioral test battery to evaluate CNS functions
in relation to both recent exposure and Hg body burden. New distinctions
between subtle preclinical effects on symptoms, mood, motor function, and
cognition were found associated with Hg body burden as compared with those
associated with recent exposure. The pattern of results, comparable to
findings previously reported among subjects with urinary Hg 50 microg/l,
presents convincing new evidence of adverse behavioral effects associated
with low Hg(o) exposures within the range of that received by the general
population.


PMID: 9707169 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE


http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/si...emp/~afXN44:24


Neurological and behavioural disorders in humans have been observed
following
inhalation of elemental mercury vapour, ingestion or dermal application of
inorganic mercury-containing medicinal products, such as teething powders,
ointments, and laxatives, and ingestion of contaminated food. A broad range
of
symptoms has been reported, and these symptoms are qualitatively similar,
irrespective of the mercury compound to which one is exposed. Specific
neurotoxic symptoms include tremors, emotional lability, insomnia, memory
loss,
neuromuscular changes, headaches, polyneuropathy, and performance deficits
in
tests of cognitive and motor function. Although improvement in most
neurological dysfunctions has been observed upon removal of persons from the
source of exposure, some changes may be irreversible. Acrodynia and
photophobia
have been reported in children exposed to excessive levels of metallic
mercury
vapours and/or inorganic mercury compounds. As with many effects, there is
great variability in the susceptibility of humans to the neurotoxic effects
of
mercury. The primary effect of long-term oral exposure to low amounts of
inorganic mercury compounds is renal damage. Inorganic forms of mercury have
also been associated with immunological effects in both humans and
susceptible
strains of laboratory rodents,


http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/si...emp/~afXN44:29


Mercury Burden and Health Impairment in Dental Auxilaries


Authors: Shapiro IM
Bloch P
Ship II
Spitz L
Sumner A
Uzzell B


Source: Final Report, Grant R01-OH-00886, 26 pages, 8 references0000


Abstract: An effort was made to develop a safe and effective x-ray
fluorescence
system for monitoring mercury (7439976) and other elements in human tissues
in-situ, to determine mercury levels in 207 dental auxiliaries exposed to
dental amalgam on the job, to evaluate mercury in matching nonexposed
populations and in 298 dentists using mercury amalgam, and to evaluate
deficiencies in central and peripheral nervous systems resulting from the
mercury exposure. Mercury levels were below 20 micrograms/gram in 60 percent
of
the dentists and 90 percent of the dental auxiliaries. Dentists with the
higher
mercury concentrations in their heads or wrists had considerably longer
median
motor distal latencies and median F-wave latency. Five of them demonstrated
abnormalities consistent with carpal tunnel syndrome; seven had
polyneuropathies defined as reduced motor or sensory conduction velocities
of
response amplitudes in two or more nerves. No significant differences were
found in the results of neurological studies conducted on dental
auxiliaries,
whether they had high levels or no detectable levels of mercury in their
bodies. Neuropsychological tests indicated both groups of dental workers
were
adversely affected by mercury exposure. Deficits were noted in performance
in
grooved pegboard and recurrent figures tests.


http://www.iaomt.org/articles/files/...%20Amalgam.pdf

http://www.toxicteeth.org/pressRoom_releases.cfm

http://www.mercurypoisoned.com/

"Jan Drew" wrote in message
...

"Mark Thorson" wrote in message
...
Ilena Rose wrote:

CONCLUSIONS: Urinary mercury concentrations are highly correlated
with both number of amalgam fillings and time since placement in
children. Girls excrete significantly higher concentrations of
mercury in the urine than boys with comparable treatment,
suggesting possible sex-related differences in mercury
handling and susceptibility to mercury toxicity.

Good study. It shows that urinary testing is reliable.

In 2004, when Clinton C Zimmerman was posting,
he claimed that urine testing was not a reliable
indicator of mercury exposure from dental amalgams,
so therefore a study I cited showing no neurological
effects from such exposure should be dismissed.
He also claimed that the studies I cited which
counted the number of amalgam fillings as a measure
of exposure were invalid because that was also not
relible indicator. This study shows he was wrong,
because there is correlation between number of
fllings and urinary mercury. And the studies I
cited are valid.

These are abstracts for two of those studies:


Environ Health Perspect 2003 May;111(5):719-23
Mercury derived from dental amalgams and
neuropsychologic function.
Factor-Litvak P, Hasselgren G, Jacobs D, Begg M,
Kline J, Geier J, Mervish N, Schoenholtz S, Graziano J.
Department of Epidemiology and Department of
Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of
Public Health, Columbia University, New York,
New York, USA.

There is widespread concern regarding the safety
of silver-mercury amalgam dental restorations,
yet little evidence to support their harm or safety.
We examined whether mercury dental
amalgams are adversely associated with cognitive
functioning in a cross-sectional sample of
healthy working adults. We studied 550 adults,
30-49 years of age, who were not occupationally
exposed to mercury. Participants were representative
of employees at a major urban medical
center. Each participant underwent a neuropsychologic
test battery, a structured questionnaire, a
modified dental examination, and collection of
blood and urine samples. Mercury exposure was
assessed using a) urinary mercury concentration (UHg);
b) the total number of amalgam surfaces;
and c) the number of occlusal amalgam surfaces.
Linear regression analysis was used to estimate
associations between each marker of mercury
exposure and each neuropsychologic test,
adjusting for potential confounding variables.
Exposure levels were relatively low. The mean UHg
was 1.7 micro g/g creatinine (range, 0.09-17.8);
the mean total number of amalgam surfaces was
10.6 (range, 0-46) and the mean number of
occlusal amalgam surfaces was 6.1 (range, 0-19).
No measure of exposure was significantly associated
with the scores on any neuropsychologic
test in analyses that adjusted for the sampling
design and other covariates. In a sample of healthy
working adults, mercury exposure derived from
dental amalgam restorations was not associated
with any detectable deficits in cognitive or fine
motor functioning.


J Dent. 2003 Sep;31(7):487-92.
Memory functions in persons with dental amalgam.
Dalen K, Lygre GB, Klove H, Gjerdet NR, Askevold E.
Department of Clinical Neuropsychology, University of
Bergen, Jonas Liesvei 91, N-5009, Bergen, Norway.

Memory and psychophysiological variables in persons
with self-reported reactions to dental amalgam (amalgam
patients: N=26) and in persons without such symptoms
(controls: N=21) were compared. The groups were
matched regarding age, education, and amount of amalgam.
Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised was obtained for all
subjects and compared to amalgam points in a
dose-response design. The results demonstrated that
amalgam patients function on the same level as the controls
regarding memory variables, attention, concentration, and
delayed recall. Psychophysiological measures of skin
conductance as correlates of attention and basal memory
functions, were compared in the two groups. No differences
between the two groups were observed and no correlation
between memory variables and exposure to amalgam could
be detected.

http://www.fasebj.org/cgi/content/full/12/11/971
Neurobehavioral effects from exposure to dental amalgam Hgo: new
distinctions between recent exposure and Hg body burden
Diana Echeverriaa,b,1, H. Vasken Aposhianc, James S. Woodsa,b, Nicholas J.
Heyerb, Mary M. Aposhianc, Alvah C. Bittner, JR.a,b, Roderick K. Mahurin,
and Margaret Cianciolad
a Battelle Centers for Public Health Research and Evaluation, Seattle,
Washington 98105, USA
b Department of Environmental Health, University of Washington, Seattle,
Washington 98195, USA
c Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Arizona,
Tucson, Arizona 85721, USA
d Department of Psychiatry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
98195, USA

ABSTRACT
TOP
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION
MATERIALS AND METHODS
RESULTS
DISCUSSION
REFERENCES


Potential toxicity from exposure to mercury vapor (Hgo) from dental
amalgam
fillings is the subject of current public health debate in many countries.
We evaluated potential central nervous system (CNS) toxicity associated
with
handling Hg-containing amalgam materials among dental personnel with very
low levels of Hgo exposure (i.e., urinary Hg 4 µg/l), applying a
neurobehavioral test battery to evaluate CNS functions in relation to both
recent exposure and Hg body burden. New distinctions between subtle
preclinical effects on symptoms, mood, motor function, and cognition were
found associated with Hg body burden as compared with those associated
with
recent exposure. The pattern of results, comparable to findings previously
reported among subjects with urinary Hg 50 µg/l, presents convincing new
evidence of adverse behavioral effects associated with low Hgo exposures
within the range of that received by the general population.-Echeverria,
D.,
Aposhian, H. V., Woods, J. S., Heyer, N. J., Aposhian, M. M., Bittner, A.
C., Jr., Mahurin, R. K. Neurobehavioral effects from exposure to dental
amalgam Hgo: new distinctions between recent exposure and Hg body burden.
FASEB J. 12, 971-980 (1998);


http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/q...eve&db=pubmed&...


J Alzheimers Dis. 2003 Jun;5(3):189-95.Related Articles, Links


Apolipoprotein E genotyping as a potential biomarker for mercury
neurotoxicity.


Godfrey ME, Wojcik DP, Krone CA.


Bay of Plenty Environmental Health Clinic, Tauranga, New Zealand.



Apolipoprotein-E (apo-E) genotyping has been investigated as an indicator
of
susceptibility to heavy metal (i.e., lead) neurotoxicity. Moreover, the
apo-E epsilon (epsilon)4 allele is a major risk factor for
neurodegenerative
conditions, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). A theoretical biochemical
basis for this risk factor is discussed herein, supported by data from 400
patients with presumptive mercury-related neuro-psychiatric symptoms and
in
whom apo-E determinations were made. A statistically relevant shift toward
the at-risk apo-E epsilon4 groups was found in the patients p0.001). The
patients possessed a mean of 13.7 dental amalgam fillings and 31.5 amalgam
surfaces. This far exceeds the number capable of producing the maximum
identified tolerable daily intake of mercury from amalgam. The clinical
diagnosis and proof of chronic low-level mercury toxicity has been
difficult
due to the non-specific nature of the symptoms and signs. Dental amalgam
is
the greatest source of mercury in the general population and brain, blood
and urine mercury levels increase correspondingly with the number of
amalgams and amalgam surfaces in the mouth. Confirmation of an elevated
body
burden of mercury can be made by measuring urinary mercury, after
provocation with 2,3,-dimercapto-propane sulfonate (DMPS) and this was
measured in 150 patients. Apo-E genotyping warrants investigation as a
clinically useful biomarker for those at increased risk of neuropathology,
including AD, when subjected to long-term mercury exposures. Additionally,
when clinical findings suggest adverse effects of chronic mercury
exposure,
a DMPS urine mercury challenge appears to be a simple, inexpensive
procedure
that provides objective confirmatory evidence. An opportunity could now
exist for primary health practitioners to help identify those at greater
risk and possibly forestall subsequent neurological deterioration.


PMID: 12897404 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/q...eve&db=pubmed&...


Altern Med Rev. 2000 Jun;5(3):209-23.Related Articles, Links


Environmental medicine, part three: long-term effects of chronic low-dose
mercury exposure.


Crinnion WJ.


Healing Naturally, 11811 NE 128th St., Suite 202, Kirkland, WA 98034, USA.


Mercury is ubiquitous in the environment, and in our mouths in the form of
"silver" amalgams. Once introduced to the body through food or vapor,
mercury is rapidly absorbed and accumulates in several tissues, leading to
increased oxidative damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, and cell death.
Mercury primarily affects neurological tissue, resulting in numerous
neurological symptoms, and also affects the kidneys and the immune system.
It causes increased production of free radicals and decreases the
availability of antioxidants. It also has devastating effects on the
glutathione content of the body, giving rise to the possibility of
increased
retention of other environmental toxins. Fortunately, effective tests are
available to help distinguish those individuals who are excessively
burdened
with mercury, and to monitor them during treatment. Therapies for
assisting
the reduction of a mercury load include the use of 2,3-dimercaptosuccinic
acid (DMSA) and 2,3-dimercato-1-propanesulfoni*c acid (DMPS). Additional
supplementation to assist in the removal of mercury and to reduce its
adverse effects is discussed.


Publication Types:
Review
Review, Tutorial


PMID: 10869102 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


1: FASEB J 1998 Aug;12(11):971-80 Related Articles, Books, LinkOut


Neurobehavioral effects from exposure to dental amalgam Hg(o): new
distinctions between recent exposure and Hg body burden.


Echeverria D, Aposhian HV, Woods JS, Heyer NJ, Aposhian MM, Bittner AC Jr,
Mahurin RK, Cianciola M.


Battelle Centers for Public Health Research and Evaluation, Seattle,
Washington 98105, USA.


Potential toxicity from exposure to mercury vapor (Hg(o)) from dental
amalgam fillings is the subject of current public health debate in many
countries. We evaluated potential central nervous system (CNS) toxicity
associated with handling Hg-containing amalgam materials among dental
personnel with very low levels of Hg(o) exposure (i.e., urinary Hg 4
microg/l), applying a neurobehavioral test battery to evaluate CNS
functions
in relation to both recent exposure and Hg body burden. New distinctions
between subtle preclinical effects on symptoms, mood, motor function, and
cognition were found associated with Hg body burden as compared with those
associated with recent exposure. The pattern of results, comparable to
findings previously reported among subjects with urinary Hg 50 microg/l,
presents convincing new evidence of adverse behavioral effects associated
with low Hg(o) exposures within the range of that received by the general
population.


PMID: 9707169 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE


http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/si...emp/~afXN44:24


Neurological and behavioural disorders in humans have been observed
following
inhalation of elemental mercury vapour, ingestion or dermal application of
inorganic mercury-containing medicinal products, such as teething powders,
ointments, and laxatives, and ingestion of contaminated food. A broad
range
of
symptoms has been reported, and these symptoms are qualitatively similar,
irrespective of the mercury compound to which one is exposed. Specific
neurotoxic symptoms include tremors, emotional lability, insomnia, memory
loss,
neuromuscular changes, headaches, polyneuropathy, and performance deficits
in
tests of cognitive and motor function. Although improvement in most
neurological dysfunctions has been observed upon removal of persons from
the
source of exposure, some changes may be irreversible. Acrodynia and
photophobia
have been reported in children exposed to excessive levels of metallic
mercury
vapours and/or inorganic mercury compounds. As with many effects, there is
great variability in the susceptibility of humans to the neurotoxic
effects
of
mercury. The primary effect of long-term oral exposure to low amounts of
inorganic mercury compounds is renal damage. Inorganic forms of mercury
have
also been associated with immunological effects in both humans and
susceptible
strains of laboratory rodents,


http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/si...emp/~afXN44:29


Mercury Burden and Health Impairment in Dental Auxilaries


Authors: Shapiro IM
Bloch P
Ship II
Spitz L
Sumner A
Uzzell B


Source: Final Report, Grant R01-OH-00886, 26 pages, 8 references0000


Abstract: An effort was made to develop a safe and effective x-ray
fluorescence
system for monitoring mercury (7439976) and other elements in human
tissues
in-situ, to determine mercury levels in 207 dental auxiliaries exposed to
dental amalgam on the job, to evaluate mercury in matching nonexposed
populations and in 298 dentists using mercury amalgam, and to evaluate
deficiencies in central and peripheral nervous systems resulting from the
mercury exposure. Mercury levels were below 20 micrograms/gram in 60
percent
of
the dentists and 90 percent of the dental auxiliaries. Dentists with the
higher
mercury concentrations in their heads or wrists had considerably longer
median
motor distal latencies and median F-wave latency. Five of them
demonstrated
abnormalities consistent with carpal tunnel syndrome; seven had
polyneuropathies defined as reduced motor or sensory conduction velocities
of
response amplitudes in two or more nerves. No significant differences were
found in the results of neurological studies conducted on dental
auxiliaries,
whether they had high levels or no detectable levels of mercury in their
bodies. Neuropsychological tests indicated both groups of dental workers
were
adversely affected by mercury exposure. Deficits were noted in performance
in
grooved pegboard and recurrent figures tests.


http://www.iaomt.org/articles/files/...%20Amalgam.pdf

http://www.toxicteeth.org/pressRoom_releases.cfm

http://www.mercurypoisoned.com/
My, my it is noted Mark Thorson has nothing to post about the above true
information.
His LIES are exposed.