title: Genetic Effects of eNOS Polymorphisms on Biomarkers Related to Cardiovascular Status in a Population Coexposed to Methylmercury and Lead.
abstract: The aim of the present study was to evaluate possible effects of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) polymorphisms on systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and on nitrite levels in plasma (NitP) in a population coexposed to methylhemoglobin (MeHg) and lead (Pb) in the Amazonian region, Brazil. Plasmatic levels of hemoglobin Hg (HgP) and Pb (PbP) were determined by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry, whereas NitP were quantified by chemiluminescence. Genotyping was performed by conventional and restriction fragment length polymorphism-polymerase chain reaction assay. The population age ranged from 18 to 87 years (mean 40 ± 16), and the distribution between the sexes was homogenous (63 men and 50 women). Mean HgP and PbP were 7.1 ± 6.1 and 1.1 ± 1.1 µg L(-1), respectively. PbP was correlated to SBP and DBP, whereas no effects were observed for HgP on blood pressure. Subjects carrying the 4b allele in intron 4 presented greater SBP and DBP compared with those who had the 4a4a genotype. In addition, interactions between alcohol consumption and the -786 T/C polymorphism were observed on NitP, i.e., individuals carrying the polymorphic allele and drinkers had lower NitP. Taken together, our data give new insights concerning the genetic effects of eNOS polymorphisms on biomarkers related to cardiovascular status in populations coexposed to Hg and Pb.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Avenida do Café s/no, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, CEP 14040-903, Brazil, barcelos@fcfrp.usp.br.
authors.forename: Gustavo Rafael Mazzaron
authors.initials: GR
authors.lastname: Barcelos
authors.forename: Kátia Cristina
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: De Marco
authors.forename: Vânia Braghini
authors.initials: VB
authors.lastname: de Rezende
authors.forename: Gilberto Úbida Leite
authors.initials: GÚ
authors.lastname: Braga
authors.forename: Lusânia Maria Greggi
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Antunes
authors.forename: José Eduardo
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Tanus-Santos
authors.forename: Fernando
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Barbosa
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000378:metabolism; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000235:genetics*; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000378:metabolism / Q000633:toxicity*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007854:Lead / Q000378:metabolism / Q000633:toxicity*; D008297:Male; D008767:Methylmercury Compounds / Q000378:metabolism / Q000633:toxicity*; D008875:Middle Aged; D052250:Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III / Q000235:genetics*; D009573:Nitrites / Q000097:blood; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D004785:Environmental Pollutants; D008767:Methylmercury Compounds; D009573:Nitrites; D007854:Lead; C496314:NOS3 protein, human; D052250:Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III