Effect of methyl mercury induced free radical stress on nucleic acids and protein: Implications on cognitive and motor functions |
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| Authors: | Farhana Zahir Shameem J Rizvi Soghra K Haq Rizwan H Khan |
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| Institution: | (1) Interdisciplinary Brain Research Centre, JN Medical College, Aligarh, U.P., India;(2) Interdisciplinary Biotechnology Unit, AMU, Aligarh, U.P., India |
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| Abstract: | Mercury pollution and acute neurotoxicity of mercury is well known. The recent reports suggest the adverse effect of low dose
mercury, though the available literature is still silent on its mechanism. This study was therefore undertaken to probe the
effect of low dose methyl mercury induced heavy metal toxicity on free radical stress and its impact on behaviour of male
albino rats. Male albino rats were exposed to 1 mg/kg body wt of methylmercury chloride for seven days, on day 8 they were
tested for motor and memory functions. They were sacrificed later for biochemical estimations for rate of lipid peroxidation,
nucleic acids, proteins in cerebrum, cerebellum and brain stem. There was an increase in the rate of lipid peroxidation showing
methyl mercury induced free radical stress. The motor and memory functions demonstrated a clear decline, besides there was
a lowering in the levels of nucleic acids and proteins as compared to controls. The results are important in view of recent
reports that methyl mercury induced free radical stress results in early ageing and may serve as an initiating factor more
specifically for neurodegenerative disorders like Alzeihemer's disease and dementias. The current findings support the notion
that incorporating dietary antioxidants like curcumin, ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol in routine diet from early age may help
combat the risk of developing such disorders in ensuing years. |
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| Keywords: | Low dose methyl mercury Nucleic acids Free radical stress Behaviour |
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