Highlights
• Mercury (Hg) is a proinflammatory agent and immunostimulant.
• Exposure to Hg can trigger immunotoxic effects, inflammation, and autoimmune dysfunction.
• In susceptible individuals, Hg may play a role in autoimmune diseases, including MS.
• Characterization of epigenetic markers is needed to highlight individual predispositions to Hg-induced toxic outcomes.
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is widely recognized as a neurotoxic metal, besides it can also act as a proinflammatory agent and immunostimulant, depending on individual exposure and susceptibility. Mercury exposure may arise from internal body pathways, such as via dental amalgams, preservatives in drugs and vaccines, and seafood consumption, or even from external pathways, i.e., occupation, environmental pollution, and handling of metallic items and cosmetics containing Hg. In susceptible individuals, chronic low Hg exposure may trigger local and systemic inflammation, even exacerbating the already existing autoimmune response in patients with autoimmunity. Mercury exposure can trigger dysfunction of the autoimmune responses and aggravate immunotoxic effects associated with elevated serum autoantibodies titers. The purpose of the present report is to provide a critical overview of the many issues associated with Hg exposure and autoimmunity. In addition, the paper also focuses on individual susceptibility and other health effects of Hg.
