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Genetic Effects of eNOS Polymorphisms on Biomarkers Related to Cardiovascular Status in a Population Coexposed to Methylmercury and Lead

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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.

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Acknowledgments

We thank the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP, 2007/00054-2; 2010/16691-4; 2011/22575-0), the National Council for Technological and Scientific Development (CNPq), and Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES) for financial support.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. 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

    Gustavo Rafael Mazzaron Barcelos, Kátia Cristina De Marco, Vânia Braghini de Rezende, Gilberto Úbida Leite Braga, Lusânia Maria Greggi Antunes & Fernando Barbosa Jr.

  2. Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Avenida Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, CEP 14049-900, Brazil

    José Eduardo Tanus-Santos

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  1. Gustavo Rafael Mazzaron Barcelos
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Correspondence to Gustavo Rafael Mazzaron Barcelos.

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Barcelos, G.R.M., De Marco, K.C., de Rezende, V.B. et al. Genetic Effects of eNOS Polymorphisms on Biomarkers Related to Cardiovascular Status in a Population Coexposed to Methylmercury and Lead. Arch Environ Contam Toxicol 69, 173–180 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00244-015-0137-8

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